Abbott, Merck collaborate to develop cancer test

LIBERTYVILLE TOWNSHIP — Abbott Laboratories will collaborate with Merck & Co. to evaluate the use of a fluorescence in situ hybridization-based companion diagnostic test to aid in the development of a Merck investigational cancer therapy.

FISH-based companion diagnostic tests are designed to identify specific DNA sequences to help guide physicians in determining which patients are more or less likely to benefit from a particular therapy.

Under terms of the agreement, Abbott will develop a test based on its proprietary FISH technology. The Abbott FISH assay will be evaluated in clinical trials to help identify patients more likely to respond favorably to Merck’s investigational cancer therapy.

“Our goal through this collaboration, and others like it, is to ensure that the right medicine gets to the right patient,” said Stafford O’Kelly, head of Abbott’s molecular diagnostics business. “As one of the early pioneers in companion diagnostics, we believe that linking genetic testing with drug development at the earliest stages can increase the effectiveness and predictability of medicines and help physicians make more informed treatment decisions.”