Roche announces takeover of Signature Diagnostics

Roche has announced the acquisition of Signature Diagnostics, a German translational oncology and genomics company based in Potsdam.

The firm is dedicated to developing large blood plasma and tissue biobanks across multiple cancer types, including colorectal and lung, which are constructed from multicentre prospective clinical studies.

These samples are utilised alongside accompanying clinical progression and genetic data to develop and validate circulating cell-free DNA tests, which can be used in non-invasive treatment response monitoring for patients with cancer.

Following the takeover, Signature will be integrated into Roche's sequencing business and will continue to focus on expanding its innovative genomic signature portfolio.

Roland Diggelmann, chief operating officer of Roche Diagnostics, said: "Biobanks play an important role in uncovering the cause or origin of disease such as cancer, which is important in translational research and the development of personalised therapies for patients."

This comes after the firm last month agreed to acquire Trophos, a deal that will expand its portfolio of products in the field of neuromuscular disease.