AstraZeneca India Partners with Roche Diagnostics to Improve Diagnostic Testing

The initiative focuses on streamlining HER2 diagnostics with newer advancements in cancer treatment. Further, the partnership will offer comprehensive training initiatives for pathologists and medical oncologists.

AstraZeneca Pharma India Ltd has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Roche Diagnostics India to improve diagnostic testing for breast cancer patients.

The initiative focuses on streamlining HER2 diagnostics with newer advancements in cancer treatment. Further, the partnership will offer comprehensive training initiatives for pathologists and medical oncologists. Training modules designed for oncologists will cover advances in HER-2 testing and HER-2 low interpretations.

The collaboration aims to address existing diagnostic challenges, reduce turnaround times, and elevate the overall patient experience, reinforcing the pivotal role of diagnostics in shaping effective treatment strategies for metastatic breast cancer patients in India.

On the alliance, Rishubh Gupta, MD, Roche Diagnostics India said, “Targeting and treating HER2-low breast cancer, which represents at least 55% of breast cancers globally, has been a challenge to the medical and scientific community. Earlier, metastatic breast cancer patients with a low level of HER2 status were considered to be part of the HER2-negative population and had no HER2-targeted treatment options. With this partnership, we bring hope to such patients and lead the way in HER2 diagnostics that support the identification of patients who may benefit from HER2-targeted therapies.”

Breast cancer, the most widespread cancer globally among women, takes a crucial turn during the shift to metastatic stages, accounting for 30% of post-diagnosis cases and constituting a primary cause of breast cancer-related fatalities.

In 2020, an estimated 700,000 lives worldwide were claimed by breast cancer annually, with over 2.2 million new cases anticipated. About half of all breast cancer patients (mBC) exhibit low levels of HER2.

“Our collaboration with Roche Diagnostics is a pivotal step, focusing on improving patient outcomes with an emphasis on patient-centricity. We believe this strategic partnership contributes significantly towards creating an integrated healthcare ecosystem that strongly benefits the overall patient experience,” Anil Kukreja, VP, medical affairs and regulatory, AstraZeneca India stated.

AstraZeneca is a global, science-led biopharmaceutical company that focuses on the discovery, development and commercialisation of prescription medicines, primarily for the treatment of diseases in four therapy areas - oncology, cardiovascular, renal & metabolism and respiratory.

Established in 1979, in India, the company aims to deliver life-changing medicines to patients through innovative science and global excellence in development.

In September this year, AstraZeneca's rare disease unit Alexion bought Pfizer Portfolio. It signed a licence and purchase agreement for a rare disease programme portfolio from Pfizer Inc. The acquisition of a preclinical rare disease gene therapy programme portfolio from Pfizer is reported to be approximately $1 billion.