Today, Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics announces its entrance into a collaboration with Janssen Pharmaceutica NV to design, develop and commercialize a companion diagnostic test associated with an early-stage compound being developed by Janssen. This compound targets autoantibodies directed against the human β1-adrenergic receptor (β1-AR) that may contribute to the development of heart failure.
Under the agreement, Siemens will work with Janssen to design immunoassay-based companion diagnostic tests for use in Janssen's clinical studies. The Siemens Clinical Laboratory (SCL), an innovative and high-complexity testing laboratory designed to advance personalized medicine, will develop the clinical trial assay that will be used in Janssen’s clinical trials. In parallel, Siemens will develop and validate an in vitro diagnostic test as a companion diagnostic for the Janssen therapeutic product. The companion diagnostic test will be broadly commercialized on Siemens' central laboratory automated immunoassay systems.
Heart failure is generally a progressive disease characterized by the heart muscle’s inability to adequately pump oxygenated blood through the body. An estimated 23 million people around the world have been diagnosed with heart failure, a number that is projected to increase.¹ For most causes of heart failure, there is no known cure.
“Our relationship with Janssen marks an important next step in Siemens’ personalized medicine strategy,” said Michael Reitermann, CEO, Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics. “As a leading clinical diagnostics company, with the tools and technologies to help define the future of patient care, we are looking forward to collaborating with Janssen and extending their position in cardiac therapies.”
Contact for journalists:
Gian Sachdev
Siemens Healthcare Media Relations
Phone: +1 508-660-4721; E-mail: Gian.Sachdev@siemens.com
Launched in November 2011, “Agenda 2013” is the initiative of the Siemens Healthcare Sector to further strengthen its innovative power and competitiveness. Specific measures, which will be implemented by the end of 2013, have been defined in four fields of action: innovation, competitiveness, regional footprint, and people development.
The Siemens Healthcare Sector is one of the world's largest suppliers to the healthcare industry and a trendsetter in medical imaging, laboratory diagnostics, medical information technology and hearing aids. Siemens offers its customers products and solutions for the entire range of patient care from a single source – from prevention and early detection to diagnosis, and on to treatment and aftercare. By optimizing clinical workflows for the most common diseases, Siemens also makes healthcare faster, better and more cost-effective. Siemens Healthcare employs some 51,000 employees worldwide and operates around the world. In fiscal year 2012 (to September 30), the Sector posted revenue of 13.6 billion euros and profit of around 1.8 billion euros. For further information please visit: www.siemens.com/healthcare
