15.09.09
Lab21 signs agreement with AstraZeneca to provide genetic testing service in lung cancer

Cambridge, UK – 15th September 2009: Lab21, the healthcare diagnostics company, is pleased to announce that it has signed an agreement with AstraZeneca under which it will provide a genetic testing service for oncologists in lung cancer.
The service to medicine, which will be funded by AstraZeneca, will allow oncologists in the NHS to identify whether lung cancer patients have activating mutations in their tumours making them sensitive to tyrosine kinase inhibitor drugs.
The genetic information gained from the service will assist oncologists in determining the most appropriate treatment choice for lung cancer patients.
Lab21 is currently AstraZeneca’s sole commercial partner in the provision of the genetic test, which will also be provided by a small number of NHS laboratories.
The genetic test will be carried out on samples of patients’ solid tumours at Lab21’s laboratories in Cambridge. The results will be returned to oncologists within five working days.
The financial terms of the agreement between AstraZeneca and Lab21 are not being disclosed.
Graham Mullis, CEO of Lab21, commented: “We are delighted to enter this agreement with AstraZeneca under which we will provide a genetic testing service to identify EGFR mutations in lung cancer sufferers. EGFR testing provides valuable information for oncologists, giving them a better understanding of their patients and potentially broadening treatment options. 
“This agreement further enhances Lab21’s position as a key provider of companion diagnostic services in Europe and builds on our existing relationships with Amgen, Merck Serono and Pfizer.”

 

For further information:
Lab21
Graham Mullis, CEO
Maddy Kennedy, CFO
Dr Berwyn Clarke, CSDO
t: +44 (0)1223 395461
e: graham.mullis@lab-21.com
maddy.kennedy@lab21.com
berwyn.clarke@lab21.com

For media and investor enquiries:
Buchanan Communications
Mark Court / Katharine Sutton
t: +44 (0) 20 7466 5000
e: markc@buchanan.uk.com

About Lab21
Lab21 is a global provider of state-of-the-art diagnostic products and services, supporting blood bank screening, medical diagnostics and drug discovery. Its customers include international healthcare providers, pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies.
The product division of the Company manufactures immunodiagnostic kits and reagents that are distributed into 110 international countries and is focused on infectious diseases for the blood-banking market.
The service division has a growing test portfolio providing companion diagnostics and high technology molecular assays for the growing integration of personalised medicine into healthcare. These services are currently in infectious diseases, oncology and pharmacogenetics areas with emerging interests in cardiovascular and metabolic disease.
Lab21's clinical reference laboratory and corporate office is based in Cambridge and has additional UK manufacturing sites in Newmarket, Bridport and Ipswich. It also has R&D operations in Cape Town, South Africa. The Company's investors include Merlin Biosciences, Nexus Medical Partners, Medicis Capital, Rowan Dartington and Kreos Capital.
Website:  www.lab21.com