Abcam and Shuwen extend strategic alliance in China to develop companion diagnostics

Cambridge, UK and Deqing, China, 7 January 2021 – Today,Abcam (AIM:ABC; NASDAQ:ABCM), a global innovator in life science reagents and tools, and Shuwen Biotech (Shuwen), a leading Chinese company focusing on the development and commercialization of companion diagnostics (CDx), announced the signing of an extended strategic cooperation agreement. The agreement will enable expanded collaboration on important companion diagnostic targets that have emerged in China and ex-China in recent years.

“Abcam is very pleased to sign this expanded strategic agreement with Shuwen. We are excited to continue to combine our ability to develop high-quality diagnostic-grade recombinant monoclonal antibodies with Shuwen’s companion diagnostics experience and technologies. Together we can deliver comprehensive solutions that will support clinical diagnosis and enable precision medicine.”

John Baker
SVP Marketing at Abcam

“Shuwen has always enjoyed a strong reputation in the development of companion diagnostic kits and central laboratory testing for pharmaceutical companies, and Abcam is a leader in the development of high-quality antibodies. In the past few years, we have seen that personalized medicine has made great progress at all levels, and this can only be achieved through development of innovative technologies. Working together, the complementary expertise of Shuwen and Abcam will undoubtedly further strengthen Shuwen’s development of high-quality companion diagnostic reagents to address the latest emerging needs locally.”

Jay Z. Zhang
CEO and Chairman of Shuwen

Under the terms of the agreement, Abcam will provide highly specific recombinant rabbit monoclonal antibodies and the associated commercial development rights to Shuwen. Shuwen will complete the required immunohistochemical verification and develop the companion diagnostic kits. Abcam will obtain milestone payments linked to kit development and subsequent sales. Specific financial details are not being disclosed.

In 2018, the two parties signed a memorandum of understanding to explore combining the expertise of both parties to design, develop, and commercialize immunohistochemistry-based companion diagnostic kits to meet the growing demand of the pharmaceutical industry. In the past two years, the two parties have worked together successfully on both PD-L1 and Claudin 18.2 kits.

Media contact: external.comms@abcam.com