Singapore's first commercial developer of molecular diagnostic assays commences operation
Dx Assays Pte Ltd, announced that it has officially started its operations. The company was established end 2007, as a joint venture between QIAGEN and Bio*One Capital. Dx Assays was formally launched at an opening ceremony attended by some 50 guests.
Dx Assays will develop and validate molecular diagnostic assays for biotech and pharmaceutical companies, which can be used throughout all stages of drug discovery and drug development. According to the company, the use of validated assays will help Dx Assays’ clients identify promising drug candidates in a more cost-effective and efficient manner. The company also supports the industry’s clinical development activities by designing and developing companion diagnostics that help prove the efficacy of drug candidates for specific patient populations.
“The opening of Dx Assays' R&D laboratory will help Singapore participate in the strong growth opportunities in molecular diagnostics. The company will be able to leverage on the expanding base of research work in A*STAR and the medical schools to discover and develop validated assays and potentially, companion diagnostics. This in turn will make Dx Assays an attractive partner for drug discovery companies in Singapore and in the region to develop better drugs in a more efficient and effective manner,” said Dr Beh Swan Gin, Managing Director of EDB. “We strongly welcome Dx Assays as the latest member of the biomedical research community in Singapore.”
“By leveraging the development capabilities of Dx Assays, QIAGEN can further strenghten its presence in the rapidly growing Asian market and expand its global portfolio of molecular testing solutions. We can significantly accelerate our development speed and hope to launch first products from this Singapore centre within the next one to two years.” said Mr Peer Schatz, CEO of QIAGEN.
Dx Assays will be working on the development and validation of molecular diagnostic assays for infectious diseases and oncology. Initial assay projects are expected to be completed by end 2008.
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