Roche obtains license for EGFR lung cancer assays and will develop Tarceva companion diagnostic test

Roche has obtained a worldwide sublicense from Genzyme Corporation to develop a diagnostic assay for the detection of Epidermal Growth-Factor Receptor (EGFR) mutations. At the same time, Roche and OSI Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (OSI) have agreed to collaborate on the development of a PCR- based companion diagnostic test to identify people with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) that harbors EGFR activating mutations.