AstraZeneca India signs MoU with Roche Diagnostics to improve diagnostics for breast cancer patients

The collaboration aims to address existing diagnostic challenges, reduce turnaround times, and elevate the overall patient experience, reinforcing the pivotal role of diagnostics in shaping effective treatment strategies for metastatic breast cancer patients in India

AstraZeneca Pharma signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Roche Diagnostics India to improve diagnostics for breast cancer patients with a key focus on streamlining HER2 diagnostics with newer advancements in the field.

Dr Anil Kukreja, Vice President – Medical Affairs and Regulatory, AstraZeneca India said, “Our collaboration with Roche Diagnostics is a pivotal step, focusing on improving patient outcomes with emphasis on patient-centricity. We believe this strategic partnership contributes significantly towards creating an integrated healthcare ecosystem that strongly benefits the overall patient experience.”

The initiative is focussed on advancements in HER2 testing standardisation and reporting. As per the partnership, comprehensive training initiatives for pathologists and medical oncologists will be imparted. Training modules designed for oncologists will cover advances in HER-2 testing and HER-2 low interpretations.

Dr Rishubh Gupta, MD, Roche Diagnostics India and Neighbouring Markets shared, “Targeting and treating HER2-low breast cancer, which represents at least 55 percent of breast cancers globally, has been a challenge to the medical and scientific community. Earlier, metastatic breast cancer patients with a low level of HER2 status were considered to be part of the HER2-negative population and had no HER2-targeted treatment options. With this partnership, we bring hope to such patients and lead the way in HER2 diagnostics that supports the identification of patients who may benefit from HER2-targeted therapies.”