Illumina, Inc. (NASDAQ:ILMN) today announced it has entered into a multi-year licensing agreement with Quest Diagnostics (NYSE: DGX), the world's leading provider of diagnostic information services, related to the use of Illumina's next-generation sequencing technology for clinical laboratory testing.
Among the terms, Quest will have broad rights to use Illumina's sequencing and genotyping technology, including the MiSeq® platform and related consumables, to develop, validate and offer molecular laboratory-developed tests for several disease states to clinicians in the United States. Quest also has rights to use the Illumina equipment as biomarker test services in clinical trials performed on behalf of its pharmaceutical, biotechnology and other clients.
"Quest's science and innovation strategy is focused on accelerating the introduction of clinically meaningful diagnostic solutions that aid the management of the individual patient across a continuum of care, promoting better outcomes," said Jay Wohlgemuth, M.D., Senior Vice President, Science and Innovation, Quest Diagnostics. "Investing in next-generation sequencing, which is increasingly used in several clinical areas as well as clinical trials, is a key element of our strategy. Illumina is a leader in NGS innovation, and this new broad agreement will give us a greater level of flexibility to build on our record of success in NGS to include several diseases where sequencing-based molecular testing can meaningfully improve clinical care."
