Abbott and Merck Sharpe and Dohme to develop cancer test

Abbott is allying with Merck Sharpe and Dohme on the development of a companion diagnostic testing system to accompany a new cancer therapy.

Under the terms of the alliance, Abbott will be responsible for evaluating a fluorescence in situ hybridisation-based companion diagnostic test, which will identify deletions of the TP53 gene in cancer patients.

It will be assessed in clinical trials to ascertain its benefits in terms of identifying patients who are likely to benefit from treatment using Merck Sharpe and Dohme's new investigational drug.

Stafford O'Kelly, head of Abbott's molecular diagnostics business, said: "We believe that linking genetic testing with drug development at the earliest stages can increase the effectiveness and predictability of medicines and help physicians make more informed treatment decisions."

This comes after Abbott announced last week that it will be allying with the biotechnology company Galapagos on the creation of a new therapy option that could be used to treat a number of autoimmune diseases.