Dealing in diagnostics
Recent advances in diagnostic technologies have allowed many dis-eases and conditions to be detected earlier, giving patients a better chance of treatment and ultimately survival. The development of such next-generation diagnostics has also contributed to the pro-gression of initiatives such as the 100,000 Genomes Project (Precision medicine Q&A, page M3), and together these efforts are bringing the concept of precision medicine a step closer to reality. In Table 1 we highlight select deals involving diagnostics since early 2015 and focus specifically on companion diagnostics. Companion diagnostics are tests that are used to assess the safety, dosage and effectiveness of a potential corresponding drug. As demonstrated by the deals mentioned below, companion diagnostics are more frequently being developed alongside emerging therapies, so that patients who are likely to respond to those therapies can be identified earlier.
Table 1: Spotlight diagnostic deals since early 2015
