Pfizer and Qiagen to create companion diagnostic for cancer drug

Pfizer is allying with life science firm Qiagen on the development of a new companion molecular diagnostic test for use with one of its investigational cancer therapies.

The companies will work together to develop a device that uses KRAS assay technology to assess patients' suitability for treatment with dacomitinib, an innovative non-small cell lung cancer drug.

Dacomitinib is an oral inhibitor of HER-1, HER-2 and HER-4 tyrosine kinases, key signalling pathways involved in cell growth and metastasis.

The global partnership will cover the clinical trials and submissions for regulatory approval of the new diagnostic test in both Europe and the US.

Dr Stephen Little, vice-president for personalised healthcare at Qiagen, said: "We are pleased to collaborate with Pfizer seeking to advance personalised healthcare with a new potential tool in the fight against non-small cell lung cancer, a major killer around the world."

This comes after the companies allied to create a companion diagnostic for brain tumour patients earlier this year.