Lab21 and IntegraGen partner on cancer diagnostics

Lab21 has announced that it will be collaborating with IntegraGen on the development of a new diagnostic test for colorectal cancer.

IntegraGen is a leading developer of molecular diagnostic testing in autism and oncology and recently discovered a microRNA biomarker called hsa-mir-31-3p that will form the basis of this new research alliance.

Lab21 is aiming to create a CE Mark-approved assay by using its proprietary SPARQ polymerase chain reaction technology to detect expression levels of the biomarker, after early studies showed that it could be used to predict treatment response among KRAS-wild type patients with metastatic colorectal cancer.

Graham Mullis, chief executive officer of Lab21, said: "Lab21's experience in developing molecular diagnostics in the oncology and infectious disease settings is increasingly being recognised by major diagnostic manufacturers and pharmaceutical partners."

This comes after the company announced an alliance with BD in October 2012, focusing on the development of new oncology assays for the BD Max automated benchtop molecular system.