Schering-Plough/OraSure in hep C test accord

Drug major Schering-Plough and fellow USA-based OraSure Technologies have entered an agreement to collaborate on the development and promotion of a rapid oral hepatitis C virus test utilizing the latter's OraQuick technology platform on a worldwide basis outside the USA.

This new accord expands the existing collaboration announced in January 2007 under which the parties aimed to develop and promote a rapid oral HCV test in the US physicians' office markets.

Under terms of the deal, S-P will reimburse OraSure for certain development costs and will provide payments based on the achievement of certain regulatory and commercial milestones in international markets. The drug major will also provide promotional support for the product in international markets. All sales of the HCV test will be made by OraSure, which will retain the rights to market and sell the test throughout the world. During the collaboration period, the test may, at S-P's option, be labeled and promoted under both companies' trade marks.