Eisai and Immunicon sign research agreement for cancer biomarkers

Eisai and Immunicon have signed a research agreement for the funding of biomarker development for proteins and modifications related to molecular targeted agents.

Immunicon reported that it was “pleased” to collaborate with Eisai as a pharmaceutical partner, adding that its research agreements with a number of companies worldwide would assist in improving the quality of life for patients by enhancing the understanding of cancer.

Starting with a focus on cancer management, Immunicon develops and commercialises cell and molecular-based research products, assisting pharmaceutical companies such as Eisai in the development of novel therapeutic products.

Leon Terstappen, chief scientific officer of Immunicon, said: “We are pleased to work with Eisai on these important biomarkers.”

“If successful, these proteins and their modifications will help to identify patients that may benefit from targeted therapies or to monitor treatment efficacy.”

Last month, Eisai announced that it had broken the ground at Research Triangle Park for a research and development facility for pharmaceutical production and formulation concerned with intravenous oncology treatments.

The group has a number of oncology drugs currently in production following its acquisition of Ligand Pharmaceuticals.

Eisai described the commencement of building as evidence of the company’s “long-standing commitment to oncology” in addition to the group’s growth since it first constructed Research Triangle Park a decade earlier.