NEW YORK (GenomeWeb News) – Unilabs will develop a companion diagnostic assay for a Biogen Idec drug for patients receiving a multiple sclerosis treatment, the Copenhagen-based firm said today.
Under the agreement, Unilabs will develop a two-step ELISA test to detect anti-JCV antibodies to help stratify patients receiving Biogen Idec's Tysabri (natalizumab). The presence of anti-JCV antibodies is one of three risk factors, along with prior immunosuppressant use and treatment duration, used to calculate the risk of Tysabri-treated patients developing progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy.
The firms have also developed a closed web interface to allow neurologists to order sampling and shipping materials, register sample pick-up details, and request language and format of analytical reports.
Further terms of the collaboration were not disclosed.