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Dako and AstraZeneca Sign Agreement to Develop Companion Diagnostics for Cancer Treatments
Dako Denmark A/S and AstraZeneca have entered into a collaboration agreement to develop companion diagnostic tests
for multiple AstraZeneca oncology projects, including biologics and small molecules, in various stages of discovery
and development.
Under the agreement, the companies will work together to develop diagnostic tests to help physicians determine the most
appropriate cancer treatment for patients. The financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.
The collaboration will leverage Dako’s position as a leader in cancer diagnostics and a strong partner in the development of
diagnostic tests used in conjunction with drug therapies. AstraZeneca will bring its extensive experience in the development
and commercialization of vital oncology products worldwide.
“We believe it is important for pharmaceutical and diagnostic companies to combine their expertise in a strong collaborative
approach to enable the development of diagnostic tests for use with drug therapies. Targeted treatment with personalized
medicine is the future, and the outcome of this collaboration will be beneficial not only for cancer patients, but also as a
significant contributive factor in cutting health care costs,” says Lars Holmkvist, CEO of Dako Denmark A/S.
Alan Barge, head of oncology development at AstraZeneca said, “This agreement, under the umbrella of AstraZeneca’s
Personalised Healthcare strategy, will enable us to develop novel, reimbursable products that can improve patients’ lives.
The alliance heralds the intentions of both companies to work closely together to develop new drugs linked to diagnostic
tests that predict which patients are most likely to respond to treatment, ensuring that we are giving the right treatment,
to the right patient, the first time.”
The agreement advances Dako’s ongoing strategy to collaborate with strong partners in the pharmaceutical sector to enhance
the offering of Dako’s companion diagnostic assays.
For further information, please contact:
Sofie Kjærsgaard Hansen, Dako Denmark A/S
+45 61 79 04 44
sofie.kjaersgaard@dako.com
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