Novel method for targeted cancer therapy

Under a research and license agreement concluded between Bayer Schering Pharma and Prometheus Laboratories Inc., a specialty pharmaceutical and diagnostic company based in San Diego, California, the two companies will collaborate on the development of a diagnostic platform for cancer therapy. Under the agreement, the partners will combine development candidates from Bayer Schering Pharma’s broad oncology pipeline with Prometheus’ specific diagnostic platform technology in an effort to stratify patients to appropriate drug candidates.

“The development of such a ­diagnostic tool represents a significant step toward personalized cancer medicine. We are convinced that these diagnostic approaches will increasingly become the clinical standard in oncology,” says Professor Andreas Busch, Head of Global Drug Discovery and member of the Board of Management of Bayer Schering Pharma.

“This collaboration represents a novel approach in personalized medicine and demonstrates the potential of our technology,” said Joseph M. Limber, President and Chief Executive Officer of Prometheus. “Our technology is a ­powerful tool to complement the robust oncology pipeline at Bayer Schering Pharma, help select ­patients who will benefit the most from specific drug candidates, design more efficient clinical ­trials, increase the probability of their success and ultimately improve the ­potential outcome for patients.”