Abcam ramps companion diagnostics play in China

Cambridge UK life science company Abcam has lengthened the runway of an exciting strategic alliance in China to develop companion diagnostics (CDx) for personalised medicine deployment.

It has unveiled an expanded precision medicine collaboration with leading CDx player Shuwen Biotech, based in Zhejiang Province, to explore the potential of targets that have emerged in China and ex-China in recent years.

John Baker, SVP Marketing at Abcam, said: “We are excited to continue to combine our ability to develop high-quality diagnostic-grade recombinant monoclonal antibodies with Shuwen’s companion diagnostics experience and technologies.

“Together we can deliver comprehensive solutions that will support clinical diagnosis and enable precision medicine.”

Under the terms of the agreement, Abcam will provide highly specific recombinant rabbit monoclonal antibodies and the associated commercial development rights to Shuwen. 

Shuwen will complete the required immunohistochemical verification and develop the companion diagnostic kits. Abcam will obtain milestone payments linked to kit development and subsequent sales. Specific financial details are not being disclosed.

Jay Z. Zhang, CEO and chairman of Shuwen, said: “Shuwen has always enjoyed a strong reputation in the development of companion diagnostic kits and central laboratory testing for pharmaceutical companies and Abcam is a leader in the development of high-quality antibodies.

“In the past few years, we have seen that personalised medicine has made great progress at all levels and this can only be achieved through development of innovative technologies. 

“Working together, the complementary expertise of Shuwen and Abcam will undoubtedly further strengthen Shuwen’s development of high-quality companion diagnostic reagents to address the latest emerging needs locally.”