Qiagen achieves portfolio milestone with Array BioPharma deal

Qiagen has announced the start of a master collaboration agreement with Array BioPharma, representing a new milestone achievement in the development of its portfolio.

The firm became the 15th pharmaceutical industry partner to work with Qiagen through one of these comprehensive agreements, which cover multiple projects, and establishes a new record for the number of companion diagnostic co-development projects in which Qiagen is involved.

Initial work with Array will focus on the development and commercialisation of a Qiagen molecular diagnostic test paired with binimetinib, a novel MEK inhibitor currently in phase III clinical testing for the treatment of NRAS-mutant melanoma.

This companion diagnostic test will run on the Rotor-Gene Q MDx, a PCR platform that is a member of the modular QIAsymphony family of automation solutions.

Peer Schatz, chief executive officer of Qiagen, said: "The fact that so many pharma and biotech companies have joined with Qiagen for these co-development projects … underscores the trust in our Sample to Insight solutions."

The company achieved year-on-year constant exchange rate growth of three percent for the 2015 full-year period.