Roche acquires Signature Diagnostics to advance translational research for NGS diagnostics. Roche will leverage Signature’s unique expertise in both biobanks and next generation sequencing (NGS) assays to develop novel diagnostics for cancer patients. Montag, 09. Februar 2015 - 20:45
Potsdam, Germany, February 9, 2015|Roche acquires Signature Diagnostics to advance translational research for NGS diagnostics. Roche will leverage Signature’s unique expertise in both biobanks and next generation sequencing (NGS) assays to develop novel diagnostics for cancer patients.
Pleasanton, 09 February 2015
Roche (SIX: RO, ROG; OTCQX: RHHBY) announced today the acquisition of Signature Diagnostics AG (Signature), a privately held company based in Potsdam, Germany. Signature is a translational oncology and genomics company that develops large blood plasma and tissue biobanks in multiple cancers, including colorectal and lung, which are constructed from multicenter prospective clinical studies. Signature uses the samples from its biobanks along with accompanying clinical progression and genetic data to develop and validate circulating cell free DNA (cfDNA) tests1 which have the potential to advance non-invasive treatment response monitoring for patients with cancer.
“Biobanks play an important role in uncovering the cause or origin of
disease such as cancer which is important in translational research and
the development of personalized therapies for patients,” said Roland
Diggelmann, COO, Roche Diagnostics. “Signature represents a unique
bridge between high value cancer biobanks and NGS assay development.
Roche plans to leverage Signature’s expertise in both of these areas to
accelerate the development of targeted NGS-based diagnostics in the
future. Biobanks can also be used for biomarker discovery and hypothesis
testing with Pharma.”
“We are very pleased Roche recognizes the
importance of high-quality longitudinal cancer biobanks for the
development of novel NGS-based diagnostics,” says André Rosenthal, Ph.D.
and CEO of Signature. “Joining forces with Roche is very exciting as it
will allow us to further develop our NGS assays for sequencing tests
using cfDNA which may advance the development of non-invasive treatment
response monitoring for cancer patients.”
Signature will be
integrated into Roche Sequencing Unit and will continue to focus on
expanding its innovative genomic signature portfolio.
About Signature
Signature Diagnostics AG is a
translational oncology and genomics company based in Potsdam, Germany.
Founded in 2004, Signature develops large tumor tissue and plasma
biobanks in multiple cancers, including colorectal and lung cancer in
the framework of large multicenter prospective clinical studies. A key
aspect of the translational oncology work is Signature's biobanks with
longitudinal plasma samples from cancer patients. The company also
develops several next generation sequencing (NGS) assays using targeted
gene panels1. Signature has expertise in developing
ultra-deep sequencing tests utilizing cfDNA, which may advance the
development of non-invasive treatment response monitoring for cancer
patients.
1Signature products are For Research Use Only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures.
About Roche
Headquartered in
Basel, Switzerland, Roche is a leader in research-focused healthcare
with combined strengths in pharmaceuticals and diagnostics. Roche is the
world’s largest biotech company, with truly differentiated medicines in
oncology, immunology, infectious diseases, ophthalmology and
neuroscience. Roche is also the world leader in in vitro diagnostics and
tissue-based cancer diagnostics, and a frontrunner in diabetes
management. Roche’s personalised healthcare strategy aims at providing
medicines and diagnostics that enable tangible improvements in the
health, quality of life and survival of patients. Founded in 1896, Roche
has been making important contributions to global health for more than a
century. Twenty-four medicines developed by Roche are included in the
World Health Organization Model Lists of Essential Medicines, among them
life-saving antibiotics, antimalarials and chemotherapy.
In 2014,
the Roche Group employed 88,500 people worldwide, invested 8.9 billion
Swiss francs in R&D and posted sales of 47.5 billion Swiss francs.
Genentech, in the United States, is a wholly owned member of the Roche
Group. Roche is the majority shareholder in Chugai Pharmaceutical,
Japan. For more information, please visit roche.com.
All trademarks used or mentioned in this release are protected by law.
Roche Sequencing Media Relations
Jacquie Bucher
Head of Corporate Communications
Phone: +1 520.468.9145
Email:
jacquie.bucher@ventana.roche.com