Clarient researches for Pfizer
Under the terms of a new master service agreement, Clarient's BioPharma services business unit is to provide Pfizer with biopharmaceutical research services, including immunohistochemistry and analysis of rare cells in the systemic circulation.
According to the company's ceo and president, Ron Andrews: 'Clarient's strategy in the biopharmaceutical sector is to provide fee-based services and technologies to companies engaged in the drug discovery process. In addition to the enhanced revenue provided by those relationships, we see additional opportunities for growth in the future as companion diagnostics are developed, based on Clarient technologies, for new cancer drugs.
'Specifically, we are very encouraged with the emerging opportunities from our new Circulating Cell programme for both tumour and endothelial cells.'
A majority-owned subsidiary of Safeguard Scientifics, Clarient was formed in 1996 to develop and market the Automated Cellular Imaging System, a digital imaging and assessment system for slide-based diagnostic tests.