Affymetrix has granted bioMerieux long-term and comprehensive access to its GeneChip technology to develop and market in vitro diagnostic tests for breast cancer, as well as an option to expand the agreement into other cancer areas, the companies said in a joint announcement.

The agreement, made under the Powered by Affymetrix programme, gives bioMerieux non-exclusive rights to Affymetrix' patented arrays, instrumentation systems and future improvements to these key technologies. Financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

"Microarrays are on the path to becoming a clinical reality in oncology, helping clinicians to provide a more holistic understanding of disease and treatment," said Dr Dirk Lammerts, M.D., Affymetrix' vice president of Molecular Diagnostics. "bioMerieux is at the cutting edge of diagnostic technology and we are pleased that they have chosen the Affymetrix platform for this project."

Under the Powered by Affymetrix programme, Affymetrix provides technology and expertise for products that are developed, branded and marketed by diagnostic companies. This includes the GeneChip System 3000Dx, which has been granted regulatory clearance by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and CE marked in the European Union for in-vitro diagnostic use.

"bioMerieux provides a full range of solutions for molecular diagnostics, from single to multiple and complex genetic targets, requiring the use of microarrays. Our extended agreement with Affymetrix broadens our rights beyond infectious diseases, food and water testing. The potential for microarrays in cancer application will be vast, ranging from diagnosis to personalized treatment," explained Dr Christophe Merieux, vice president Research and Development - Medical Affairs.