Abbott, Pfizer to develop companion diagnostic

Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:ABT) partnered with Pfizer Inc. (NYSE:PFE) to develop a companion molecular diagnostic for Pfizer's cancer compound PF-02341066. The diagnostic will screen non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) tumors for the presence of translocations in genes encoding anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) and c-Met receptor tyrosine kinase. The compound, which inhibits the kinases and their oncogenic variants, is expected to start a Phase III trial to treat NSCLC in September, according to clinicaltrials.gov. ...