Qiagen, Pfizer deal

Pfizer and Qiagen's DxS subsidiary partnered to develop a companion diagnostic for Pfizer's cancer vaccine PF-04948568 ( CDX-110). The vaccine targeting epidermal growth factor receptor variant III ( EGFRvIII) is in Phase II testing to treat newly diagnosed glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) for which it has Fast Track and Orphan Drug designation in the U.S. DxS is responsible for developing and manufacturing the real-time PCR assay, which will detect EGFRvIII RNA in GBM tumors. The partners said the mutated form of EGFR is present in 25-40% of GBM tumors. Financial terms were not disclosed. ...