Illumina, Merck Join Hands For Homologous Recombination Deficiency CDx, Research Assay

Illumina Inc ILMN and Merck & Co Inc MRK provided more details on their partnership to develop and commercialize tests that gauge genetic mutations involved in homologous recombination deficiency (HRD) and identify best responders to PARP inhibitors.
Illumina first announced the partnership in January at the JP Morgan Healthcare Conference.
Under the terms of the agreement, Illumina will develop a new HRD companion diagnostic for the European Union and UK markets to aid in identifying ovarian cancer patients who are eligible for treatment with olaparib (Lynparza)
Lynparza is a PARP inhibitor jointly developed and commercialized by Merck and AstraZeneca Plc AZN.
Illumina will also develop a research-use-only HRD assay that will be add-on content for its TSO 500 panel.
The company will launch the RUO assay globally, but not in the US or Japan.
Financial details of the partnership were not disclosed.
Price Action: ILMN stock is down 2.38% at $455.88, and MRK stock is down 2.30% at $75.48 during the market session on the last check Tuesday.