Dako, an Agilent Technologies company, has entered into a master framework agreement with Merck to develop companion diagnostic tests for oncology drugs currently in Merck’s development pipeline.

"Dako is relentless in its commitment to fighting cancer, together with our customers and pharma partners," said Jacob Thaysen, vice president and general manager for Agilent's Diagnostics and Genomics business. "With Dako’s wide experience in companion diagnostics and its expanded playing field as part of Agilent’s Life Sciences and Diagnostics Group, I see great potential in this new agreement. I warmly welcome Merck as our new partner."

The market for companion diagnostics is steadily growing, as personalized medicine may improve patient care and manage healthcare costs by targeting treatments to individuals more likely to benefit from specific therapies.

Dako collaborates with many top-tier pharma companies to develop companion diagnostics, with a record of successful long-term partnerships with companies such as Bristol-Myers Squibb and Genentech, a member of the Roche Group. Dako continues to attract new partners, most recently Eli Lilly, Pfizer and now Merck.

The financial terms of the master framework agreement were not disclosed.

Dako, is a global leader in tissue-based cancer diagnostics. Hospital and research laboratories worldwide use Dako’s reagents, instruments, software and expertise to make accurate diagnoses and determine the most effective treatment for cancer patients. Dako became part of Agilent Technologies in 2012.

Agilent Technologies Inc. is the world's premier measurement company and a technology leader in chemical analysis, life sciences, diagnostics, electronics and communications.