Transgene, Roche unit to develop companion diagnostic
Transgene S.A. (Euronext:TNG) and the Ventana Medical Systems Inc. unit of Roche (SIX:ROG; OTCQX:RHHBY) partnered to develop a companion diagnostic for Transgene's cancer candidate TG4010. Ventana will develop a mucin 1 ( MUC1; CD227) immunohistochemistry assay to select patients with MUC1 positive tumors for enrollment in a planned Phase IIb/III trial of TG4010 to treat advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The design of the trial, which is expected to start by year end, has yet to be finalized. TG4010 is a modified vaccinia Ankara (MVA) vector containing the MUC1 and IL-2 genes. The companies said Ventana would submit a PMA for the diagnostic in parallel to a possible NDA submission for TG4010. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. Transgene was up EUR 0.31 to EUR 16.42 on Wednesday. ...