Schering-Plough and OraSure to collaborate on hepatitis C test

Schering-Plough and OraSure Technologies have announced that they are to collaborate on the development of a rapid, oral hepatitis C virus (HCV) test outside the US.

The partnership agreement will see the utilisation of OraSure’s OraQuick technology platform to develop and promote the test on a worldwide basis.

It also builds on last year’s collaboration that saw the two companies joining forces to promote a rapid, oral HCV test in the US.

Under the terms of the agreement, Schering-Plough is to reimburse OraSure for specific development costs and will also provide payments to OraSure subject to the achievement of international regulatory and commercial milestones.

Douglas A Michels, president and chief executive officer of OraSure Technologies, expressed his delight with the international expansion of the collaboration.

“We believe the global market opportunity for a rapid HCV test is significant and this expansion of our collaboration with Schering-Plough should help drive the adoption of this important product around the world,” he said.

OraSure is the developer of the OraQuick Advance Rapid HIV-1/2 Antibody Test, which is the first and only oral HCV test approved by the US Food and Drug Administration.

Also this week, Schering-Plough announced a number of leadership and organisational changes at its research and development arm, the Schering-Plough Research Institute.