Quest will leverage Genomic Vision’s molecular combing genomic-analysis technology.
Quest Diagnostics will develop new clinical testing services for cancer, neurology, and other diseases under a multiyear exclusive collaboration with Genomic Vision. The agreement gives Quest Diagnostics exclusive rights to develop and offer clinical- and research-use laboratory testing services based on Genomic Vision’s molecular combing genomic-analysis technology in the U.S., India, and Mexico.
Quest Diagnostics says that it has also made an equity investment for an undisclosed sum in Genomic Vision. Genomic Vision will retain rights to market the new testing services developed under this collaboration in the Middle East, Africa, and Europe with the exception of the UK.
In 2012, Quest Diagnostics expects to validate and release a test based on this platform to aid the detection of individuals affected with facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy. Quest Diagnostics and Genomic Vision will also focus on developing tests for cancer and neurological disorders, with testing services to be offered to Quest Diagnostics’ clients.
Also in 2012, Quest Diagnostics may begin offering, through its clinical trials business, molecular combing-based laboratory testing services for new drug development to pharmaceutical companies and for research use to academic institutions. “Genomic Vision’s DNA combing technology is a potential game changer in genomic analysis,” says Jay G. Wohlgemuth, M.D., vice president, science and innovation with Quest Diagnostics.
