QIAGEN has been bringing its extensive track record of commercially creating and marketing novel diagnostic tests to the collaboration.

QIAGEN N.V. and Inovio Pharmaceuticals Inc. have reportedly announced that both the companies have collaborated to co-develop a companion diagnostic to guide clinical decision making for leveraging Inovio’s immunotherapy based upon DNA for the treatment of cervical dysplasia triggered by human papillomavirus (HPV). The Precision Medicine collaboration focuses on Inovio’s VGX-3100, a late-stage experimental product candidate which can become the first non-surgical treatment for precancerous cervical lesions related with the virus and the first treatment for cervix’s HPV infection.

Peer M. Schatz, Chief Executive Officer, QIAGEN, reportedly stated that the company is delighted to support Inovio by creating a companion diagnostic based on liquid biopsy to detect patients who would be benefitted from VGX-3100, which has potential to make a dramatic difference in the identification of HPV infections and treatment of precancerous disease. The sample to foresee workflows and experience in creating diagnostic solutions for Precision Medicine in immune-oncology suits well to help Inovio address the large unmet medical need, he further added.

Schatz reportedly noted that the team of QIAGEN has deep understanding of molecular testing related to HPV and cervical cancer and has been seeking to apply this expertise in collaboration with Inovio. The project is also a case study of a partnership which began in the phase of discovery, when QIAGEN Genomic Services was selected by Inovio to work on novel biomarkers’ discovery which now contributes to the power of this unique molecular assay, he further added.

Dr. J. Joseph Kim, CEO and President, Inovio, reportedly stated that as the company develops Synthetic Nucleics platform, it has always been finding ways to drive innovation within its own technology or through a creative collaborator like QIAGEN. QIAGEN has been bringing its extensive track record of commercially creating and marketing novel diagnostic tests to the collaboration, he further added.

Source credit: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190516006017/en/QIAGEN-Inovio-Collaborate-Develop-Companion-Diagnostic-Immunotherapy

https://corporate.qiagen.com/newsroom/press-releases/2019/20190516_inovio_hpv