Roche launches cobas EGFR Mutation Test in Europe

Roche has announced the launch of its new cobas EGFR Mutation Test for cancer diagnosis in Europe.

The companion diagnostic has been CE Mark-approved and is designed for use in the identification of patients with non-small cell lung cancer with mutations in the EGFR (epidermal growth factor receptor) gene.

Using this test will help clinicians to decide which patients would benefit most from treatment with anti-EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor drugs, such as Roche's recently approved Tarceva.

This represents the third diagnostic test for the cobas 4800 system to receive the CE mark approval in the Roche oncology portfolio this year.

Daniel O'Day, chief operating officer of Roche Diagnostics, said: "The cobas EGFR test together with other companion tests already launched this year greatly illustrates our strength to enable and support personalised treatment approaches."

In October 2011, the company announced plans to expand its business through the acquisition of Anadys Pharmaceuticals, a specialist developer of hepatitis C therapies.