Abbott Collaborates On Molecular Diagnostic Test With GSK

Abbott has entered into an agreement with GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) to develop an automated molecular diagnostic test, based on polymerase chain reaction technology. The test is intended to screen non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) tumors, for expression of the MAGE-A3 antigen.

GSK’s MAGE-A3 ASCI is currently being evaluated as an adjuvant treatment in resected NSCLC in the phase III clinical study – Magrit.

To be eligible to receive GSK’s MAGE A3 ASCI, patients must have MAGE-A3 expressing NSCLC tumors. MAGE-A3 is a tumor-specific antigen that is expressed in non-small cell lung cancer and a wide variety of other cancers, but not in normal cells.

Under terms of the agreement, Abbott and GSK will develop and commercialize a PCR test designed to detect MAGE A3 for use on the Abbott m2000 automated instrument system.

Vincent Brichard, Vice President and Head of immunotherapeutics at GSK, said: Through this partnership we aim to make MAGE-A3 testing of lung tumors available in standard pathology labs around the world. This means patients globally could be able to find out if they are eligible and can potentially benefit from targeted cancer treatment against this antigen, such as GSK’s MAGE-A3 candidate ASCI.