NEW YORK (GenomeWeb) – Eisai and Sysmex said yesterday that they have entered into a comprehensive non-exclusive collaboration agreement to create new diagnostics for dementia.
Under the agreement, Sysmex will contribute its expertise and know-how in clinical diagnostics, as well as technologies for the highly sensitive detection of genetic, protein, and cellular biomarkers in blood samples. For instance, the company can offer BEAMing digital PCR and highly automated flow cytometry technology, both of which it brought on board with its 2013 acquisitions of Inostics and Partec.
Eisai, meantime, will contribute its experience and knowledge in drug discovery for dementia, and product-related information for Aricept, its treatment for Alzheimer's disease and dementia with Lewy bodies.
Together the companies said they aim to discover next-generation tests that will enable early diagnosis and treatment selection and monitoring. Sysmex will lead diagnostic development, and will exclusively market the diagnostics worldwide after receiving regulatory approval. Eisai will receive payments for meeting development milestones and launching products, and will receive royalties on sales. It will also use the diagnostics for drug discovery and development in the area of dementia.