Pharmaceutical giant AztraZeneca recently announced its global biologics research and development subsidiary, MedImmune, has signed an acquisition agreement for Definiens, a global pioneer in imaging and data analysis technology that has developed Tissue Phenomics™.
This piece of proprietary technology significantly enhances the identification of specific biomarkers in tumor growths. This acquisition was accomplished with MedImmune’s intention to bolster its immuno-oncology capabilities, to bring more effective cancer treatments and immunotherapies from bench to bedside.
“MedImmune has a comprehensive programme in immuno-oncology and the identification of patients who are most likely to respond to particular therapies is critical to our ability to successfully develop new medicines. Definiens’ technology will complement our immuno-oncology approach and allow us to accelerate further our clinical programmes through its highly precise predictive and prognostic biomarker testing. We look forward to working with Definiens’ scientists to give patients the best chance of receiving the targeted medicines suited for their particular needs.”, Dr. Bahija Jallal, Executive Vice President, MedImmune, said in a press release.
According to the details of the acquisition, MedImmune will be entitled to 100% of Definiens’ shares for an initial payment of $150 million, followed by subsequent milestone payments. Definiens will retain the right and means to continue business operations and relations with its third-party clients.
MedImmune’s latest acquisition includes Cognition Network Technology®, which works to precisely and comprehensively derive crucial information from tumor samples by noting its identity and location. It also allows the study of countless, complex relationships and processes within a cancer growth’s microenvironment. The CNT was created by 1986 Nobel Laureate in Physics, Professor Gerd Binnig.
By strengthening MedImmune’s capacity to fully study and employ tumor markers, participants for upcoming clinical trials will be more accurately screened and selected. This could lead to a significant decrease in the time it takes to carry out and complete a study, and drive more patients to participate. Definiens will bring to AstraZeneca a more individualized approach to research and develop immuno-oncology treatments, as patient-centered care is at the core of about 80% of the company’s small molecule and biologics pipeline products.
