Partnership formed to accelerate process of taking reference standards to China

Horizon Discovery Group has entered into a partnership with a life sciences company focused on accelerating the standardisation of diagnostic testing in China, Genewell Biotechnology.

Under the terms of the partnership, Genewell will manufacture Horizon reference standards within China and distribute them as research use only (RUO) products to Chinese diagnostic companies for use in their assay development programmes. Additionally, Genewell will simultaneously pursue approval for the use of Horizon’s reference standards with the Chinese Food and Drug Administration (CFDA), which once approved will have the potential to be sold directly to the broader clinical laboratory market through Genewell’s existing reach within China. Horizon will receive a royalty on all reference standards sold.

“As part of our global leadership strategy, Horizon has established the relationships and reputation needed to succeed in China,” said Richard Vellacott, interim CEO and CFO, Horizon Discovery. “Our partnership with Genewell enables us to accelerate the process of bringing our high quality reference standards, both pre-existing and newly developed, to the whole of the Chinese market.”

Jing Liang, founder and spokesperson, Genewell Biotechnology, commented: “Genewell seeks to help drive improvements in clinical diagnostic testing, and so we are pleased to be able to make Horizon’s high quality Reference Standards more broadly available within China.”