Qiagen, WuXi AppTec Forge Biomarker Partnership

NEW YORK (GenomeWeb News) – Shanghai-based biotech firm WuXi AppTec said today that it will partner with Qiagen to develop an integrated biomarker service, as well as new biomarkers and assays.

Under the agreement, Qiagen will provide tools, training, and consumables, while WuXi will contribute its Shanghai lab facilities and staff to conduct the biomarker services. The lab is scheduled to begin operating immediately.

The firms also will work together to develop biomarkers, assay panels, diagnostics, and other products that Qiagen will market. WuXi said that it will use Qiagen's tools in a range of drug development and discovery services, which will be offered to both companies' customers.

Victor Shi, president of Qiagen's Asia Pacific operations, said in a statement that the partnership will create "the first laboratory of its kind in Asia equipped with a standardized, fully integrated, automated sample and assay technology platform for drug discovery and development and molecular diagnostics in personalized healthcare and other areas."