Qiagen and Natera Partner to Develop Cutting-Edge Genetic Testing

Qiagen NV and Natera Inc. have partnered to develop cutting-edge cell-free DNA assays for use on QIAGEN’s GeneReader NGS system. These cell-free DNA assays will now be developed for use on the GeneReader NGS system, the first fully integrated sample to insight NGS solution, and designed to enable these type of tests, including prenatal screening, for hospitals and laboratories globally. Natera’s Constellation software would also be accessible for users of these and other assays in combination with the Qiagen Clinical Insights (QCI) bioinformatics solution.

The new non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) assays will analyze non-invasive maternal blood samples and reflect the power of liquid biopsy to gain insights. Building on Qiagen’s leading PAX gene blood cell-free DNA collection and sample processing technology, which is fully automated and integrated into the GeneReader NGS workflow, the tests are expected to selectively differentiate fetal placental DNA from the background of the mother’s DNA to test whether a baby is at higher risk for common genetic conditions. The sample to insight workflow will also provide personalized risk reports for healthcare and genetic counseling.

Under the 10-year agreement, Qiagen will pay Natera USD 40 million in upfront licensing fees and prepaid royalties in the first quarter of 2018. Natera is also eligible for an additional USD 10 million of milestone payments, as well as ongoing royalty payments. Each company will bear its own development costs for the assay. Natera and Qiagen will establish a complete sample to insight workflow with the GeneReader NGS system and validate the sample preparation workflow using the constellation platform.