DiaGenic ASA, an innovative Norwegian biotechnology company, has signed a commercial agreement with SRL Ranbaxy Ltd for marketing the former's breast cancer test in India.

Earlier, DiaGenic has conducted a large Indian study on the patient friendly diagnostic test, developed for early detection of breast cancer through blood test. The sample blood, collected will be subjected to sophisticated laboratory analysis to detect changes in gene expression for identifying early stage of breast cancer. The company has presented the interim results of the Indian clinical study on the test at The Federation of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Societies of India (FOGSI) annual meeting in New Delhi in February.

The interim results from the Indian study showed that the gene set, previously identified in Scandinavian and US cohorts, also had similar good diagnostic and predictive performance in the Indian population. The test was not affected by ethnic variation or menopausal state of the patient, allowing for widespread use to diagnose breast cancer at an early stage, informed a company announcement.

Speaking about the agreement with DiaGenic, Sanjeev K. Chaudhry, CEO of SRL Ranbaxy said, "We believe the DiaGenic test will provide the perfect incentive for women to take charge of their health and undergo regular check-ups. SRL Ranbaxy will put in place intensive and extensive market facing strategies to ensure rapid growth in the market, both locally and internationally, and will invest substantial amounts and efforts to inform the market on the availability of this new innovative test. "

DiaGenic CEO Erik Christensen, MD PhD, commented, "We are delighted to partner with SRL Ranbaxy, which has distinguished itself as the leading diagnostics service provider in India. With a network of nearly 40 Labs cum Wellness Centres and more than 750 collection centres across India, they will be able to ensure the test is widely accessible."

There is more than 90 per cent chance of surviving breast cancer if detected at an early stage whereas the mortality rate reaches 90 per cent if this disease is caught at a very late stage and the DiaGenic test would help to reduce the mortality rate in India, claims the company.

In India, breast cancer is the second leading cause of death among women and according to reports, nearly one hundred thousand women died last year from breast cancer. The disease is also on the rise, with an estimated 250 thousand new cases by 2015. A key problem has been the detection of only 10 per cent at an early stage, which lags far behind Western countries where this detection rate reaches as high as 65 per cent.

SRL Ranbaxy Limited is the largest clinical reference pathology laboratory network not only in India but also in South East Asia, with vast experience in launching new innovative diagnostic tests, including advanced molecular diagnostic tests. These tests are supported by more than 350 doctors and scientists working 24x7 to ensure first class service for the demanding customer. With its Quality Assurance systems that have been repeatedly accredited by the very best of National and International bodies like NABL, Govt. of India and College of American Pathologists, USA, it has the unique distinction of serving more than 5 million customers annually.