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Akoya Biosciences, AstraZeneca Collaborate on Spatial Biomarker Profiling for Immuno-Oncology

NEW YORK – Akoya Biosciences and AstraZeneca said on Friday they are collaborating on spatial biomarker analysis in immuno-oncology drug development, clinical trials, and biomarker discovery.

The firms will study drug mechanisms of action, confirm the prevalence of targets, and discover predictive signatures for subsequent trial designs using Akoya's Phenoptics platform and Advanced Biopharma Solutions services. 

"The aim of this collaboration will be the development and implementation of predictive assays and analysis frameworks to enable AstraZeneca, and the pharmaceutical industry in general, to advance a spatial biomarker-informed drug development strategy for immunotherapy," the firms said in a statement.

Financial and other details of the collaboration were not disclosed.

Akoya acquired the Phenoptics technology in 2018 from PerkinElmer, with eyes on reaching the clinical and translational research markets. In April, the company raised $151.3 million in gross proceeds in an initial public offering.

"The combination of AstraZeneca’s scientific leadership in immuno-oncology and Akoya’s groundbreaking spatial biology capabilities promises to reshape the future of biomarker development and ultimately cancer care,” said Akoya CEO Brian McKelligon in a statement.

Last month, Akoya also signed a comarketing deal for its Codex multiplex tissue imaging system with Zeiss.

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