Lab21 and BD to develop new oncology assays

Lab21 is partnering with fellow life science company BD to develop a series of new polymerase chain reaction-based oncology assays.

The new tests will be designed for use with the BD Max automated benchtop molecular system, with BD set to take responsibility for their manufacturing and commercialisation.

A pair of assays for the detection of mutations in the KRAS and BRAF genes will be the first to be created through the partnership, as these tests are currently considered important in optimising the management of cancer patients.

The agreement will also involve the development of nucleic acid extraction procedures from formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue, leveraging Lab21's expertise in assay development for cancer molecular diagnostics.

Graham Mullis, chief executive officer of Lab21, said: "We are pleased to expand our partnership with BD from the detection of Aspergillus species to the broader development and commercialisation of important diagnostic markers in the oncology area."

Earlier this year, the company received a new financial support package of five million pounds by Clydesdale Bank, which will help to drive Lab21's ambitious international growth plans.