Abbott Collaborates With Drug Makers To Develop Genomic Test For Leukemia
Abbott has entered into strategic collaborations with two pharmaceutical companies — Celgene and Agios — to develop diagnostic tests on Abbott’s m2000 RealTime system that identify certain genomic mutations associated with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Both Celgene and Agios are currently developing experimental drugs that may halt the progression of AML by targeting these mutations.
Approximately 20 percent of all patients who develop AML have mutations of the isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) enzymes, which play an important role in breaking down nutrients and providing cells with energy as they mature, according to Agios. Mutations to these enzymes alter the development of cells and cause them to proliferate more quickly.
A study published by Stanford University in Leukemia this week stated that medications that target IDH mutations have “shown promise,” especially when used alongside existing treatments for AML. The Stanford researchers commented that mutational analysis testing “should become part of routine diagnostic workup and repeated at relapse to identify patients who may benefit from treatments that target mIDH.”
“AML is a complex and heterogeneous disease, making it difficult to treat,” said Han Myint, VP of global medical affairs – myeloid, Celgene, in a press release. “Molecular profiling is important to identify genomic mutations which may have prognostic and potential treatment implications for patients with AML.”
Abbott’s m2000rt RealTime system is a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) platform that allows laboratories to simplify the complex process of molecular diagnostics while minimizing contamination, according to the manufacturer. Working with Celgene and Agios, Abbott plans to develop a test for IDH mutations, which would identify candidates for mIDH therapies.
Celgene is currently developing an IDH2 mutant inhibitor called enasidenib (AG-221), which was discussed in a study in Best Practice & Research: Clinical Haematology published last year. Agios’ AG-120 is an IDH1 mutant inhibitor. Both drugs are being investigated as a potential therapy for relapsed or refractory AML patients with IDH mutations, and Celgene and Agios have used Abbott’s PCR in their clinical trial designs.
“The field of personalized medicine is advancing at a rapid pace for a broad range of medical conditions, especially within hematology-oncology,” said Chris Bowden, CMO at Agios, in the press release. “Our collaboration with Abbott will provide a test to help identify AML patients with IDH mutations who are in need of treatment options.”
In September, Abbott announced the sale of its medical optics business to Johnson & Johnson, a move that CEO Miles White stated aligned with the company’s strategy to restructure around cardiovascular devices and expanding their diagnostics business.
Recent rumors suggest that Abbott may be looking to sell off a portion of its cardiovascular business, and sources told Nikkei Asian Review that Terumo had made a competitive $1.47 billion bid. Abbott’s $25 billion deal to acquire St. Jude Medical is expected to be complete by the end of the year.