Abbott Supplies Materials to NeoGenomics for Melanoma Test Development

(Fort Myers, FL, USA), a provider of cancer genetics testing services, has entered into a strategic supply agreement with Abbott Labs (Abbott Park, IL, USA). NeoGenomics will develop its own fluorescence in situ hybridization- (FISH)-based test for the diagnosis of melanoma using materials supplied by Abbott. In a separate transaction, Abbott has also acquired 9.6% of NeoGenomics common stock for US$4.8 million.

NeoGenomics will develop the FISH test to distinguish between benign and malignant melanomas. The goal of the test is to be able to diagnose more accurately malignant melanoma and provide better prognostic information.

There have been reports that current diagnostic tools and techniques for detecting cutaneous melanoma can be difficult in cases arising from association with a nevus (mole), as in 30-50% of cases. A FISH test for melanoma could improve existing diagnostic techniques in cases that are ambiguous, borderline, or difficult to diagnose.

NeoGenomics will evaluate and select from Abbott's single FISH probes to develop and commercialize a test for melanoma diagnosis in the United States. Once the probes have been identified by NeoGenomics, Abbott will supply them (some on an exclusive basis) over the course of a 10-year term. The agreement may be expanded, under certain circumstances, to include up to two additional tests for other cancers.

Robert Gasparini, president and chief scientific officer of NeoGenomics, commented, "We believe this new melanoma FISH test will complement our existing portfolio of FISH products. We also believe dermatopathologists will have a high level of interest in offering this test to their customers.”

Melanoma typically starts as an abnormal mole on the skin and is easily cured if caught and removed early. Once it spreads to other parts of the body, however, it is particularly deadly. According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), approximately 68,000 new cases of invasive melanoma will be diagnosed this year in the United States.

NeoGenomics is a high-complexity, clinical laboratory that specializes in cancer genetics diagnostic testing. The company's testing services include cytogenetics, FISH, flow cytometry, morphology studies, anatomic pathology, and molecular genetic testing.

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