DxS signs Pfizer deal

MANCHESTER diagnostics specialist DxS has signed a new deal with drug giant Pfizer.

DxS, which was sold to Dutch group Qiagen last year for £80m, will develop a testing kit for a brain cancer drug.

DxS was launched by two AstraZeneca scientists, Dr Stephen Little and Dr David Whitcombe. Employing around 75 staff it specialises in kits that make it easier for doctors to prescribe the most effective treatments for various forms of cancer.

Mr Little, who is now vice president for personalised healthcare at Qiagen, said: “We are very pleased to have signed this agreement with Pfizer, as it is another important step toward the realization of personalized medicine.

“Qiagen is aligned to deliver companion diagnostics to our pharmaceutical partners and this deal is further evidence of our commitment to develop our scientific and operational capabilities to help select the right patient for the right medicine.”

DxS, which has its own manufacturing facility in Manchester, produces around 50,000 testing kits a year. That figure is expected to double this year.