Qiagen, Abbott deal

The companies partnered to develop and market diagnostics for HIV-1, HCV and HPV in the U.S. and Canada. Under the deal, Qiagen will market Abbott's PCR-based HIV-1 viral load assay under the Qiagen brand in the territories. Qiagen will also optimize an Abbott HCV assay for use on Qiagen's QIAsymphony RGQ platform. The HIV-1 diagnostic is expected to launch in 2012, while the HCV diagnostic, which will be marketed under the Abbott brand, is expected to launch by the end of 2012. In addition, Qiagen will supply Abbott with reagents for a PCR-based HPV test to run on the pharma's Abbott m2000 lab automation system. Financial terms were not disclosed. ...