, a group of rare blood cancers that includes myelofibrosis (MF) and essential thrombocythemia (ET).){kind=link}
Two biotechnology companies, QIAGEN and Incyte, have entered a global collaboration to develop a new diagnostic panel aimed at improving the treatment of myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs), a group of rare blood cancers that includes myelofibrosis (MF) and essential thrombocythemia (ET).
The new test will focus on detecting genetic mutations linked to MPNs, particularly those involving the calreticulin gene (CALR), which plays a role in a significant subset of these cancers. CALR mutations are found in roughly 25–35% of patients with MF and ET. These mutations can lead to abnormal protein function, driving the overproduction of blood cells.
The collaboration comes as Incyte continues to advance its investigational monoclonal antibody, which targets mutant CALR (mutCALR). The drug is currently in development for treating patients with MF and ET, and it is designed to target malignant cells without affecting healthy ones.
As part of the agreement, QIAGEN will develop a next-generation sequencing based diagnostic panel to detect genetic alterations relevant to hematological malignancies. The panel will run on Illumina’s NextSeq 550Dx platform, reflecting QIAGEN’s broader collaboration with Illumina to expand diagnostic capabilities worldwide.
The test is intended to serve as a companion diagnostic for Incyte’s therapies, helping clinicians identify patients most likely to benefit from targeted treatments. QIAGEN will support regulatory approval processes and market access across major global regions, including the U.S., the EU, and Asia-Pacific.
MPNs account for about 40% of all blood cancers and are characterized by an abnormal increase in mature blood cells. Advances in genetic testing and precision diagnostics are increasingly being used to guide treatment decisions for these diseases.
Representatives from both companies emphasized the role of the collaboration in pushing forward personalized medicine in blood cancers. While Incyte focuses on developing targeted therapies, QIAGEN brings experience in creating and commercializing companion diagnostics.