Horizon Discovery and Transgenomic Announce Collaboration for Validation Control and Development of Genetic Diagnostic Tests

Horizon Discovery Ltd, a leading provider of research tools to support translational genomics and the development of personalised medicines, and Transgenomic, Inc., a global biotechnology company advancing personalised medicine in cardiology, oncology, and inherited diseases through diagnostic tests as well as clinical and research services, have entered into a collaboration agreement to develop improved genetic diagnostic tests incorporating state of the art controls.

The collaboration will enable Transgenomic to transition from the use of plasmid-derived controls, to Horizon’s Quantitative Molecular Reference Standards for all of its existing assays, and for any new assays developed in future.

Under the terms of the agreement, Horizon will provide its renewable, genetically defined Quantitative Molecular Reference Standards in both gDNA (genomic DNA) and FFPE (formalin fixed paraffin embedded) format, via its Horizon Diagnostics division. The Quantitative Molecular Reference Standards will be used as advanced reference standards for Transgenomic’s range of genetic diagnostic tests, and in the development of novel tests and in vitro diagnostic testing kits. The Quantitative Molecular Reference Standard products will be chosen from Horizon Diagnostics’ existing inventory of more than 300 products, and Horizon’s GENESIS gene editing platform will also be employed to precisely engineer new lines as needed, to support the development of the new tests and kits.

“Combining Horizon’s technology for developing reliable, genetically defined Quantitative Molecular Reference Standards, with Transgenomic’s expertise in molecular diagnostic technologies, this collaboration provides strategic opportunities that will significantly benefit our biomarker identification business,” said Paul Kinnon, President and Chief Executive Officer of Transgenomic. “We are excited to be working with Horizon, a leader in the personalized medicine field, as we work to expand our test and kit offerings in the rapidly growing area of companion diagnostics.”

“Transgenomic operates at the cutting edge of molecular diagnostics and is an ideal partner for Horizon,” said Paul Morrill, Senior Vice President of Horizon Diagnostics. “This collaboration adds to our strong network of world class partners practicing high quality science, and contributes to our goal of advancing personalised medicine and ultimately better patient care. We look forward to working with the Transgenomic team.”

Horizon Diagnostics’ Reference Standard product portfolio comprises highly validated, engineered cell line derived material, including purified DNA with matched normal and renewable formalin fixed, paraffin embedded samples. The available specimens cover a growing range of oncology biomarkers, manufactured to precise standards including defined allelic frequencies.