Leica Biosystems is enhancing its collaboration with AstraZeneca and Daiichi Sankyo to advance precision medicine through the development of AI-driven diagnostics for non-small cell lung cancer.
The expansion of this partnership, initially established in May 2025, focuses on the creation of an immunohistochemistry (IHC) assay and image analysis algorithm targeting the TROP2 Normalized Membrane Ratio (NMR) biomarker. This initiative aims to provide a comprehensive research tool that integrates both membrane and cytoplasmic expression assessments, utilizing AstraZeneca's proprietary computational pathology algorithm, Quantitative Continuous Scoring (QCS), alongside Leica's advanced digital pathology solutions.
According to Gustavo Perez-Fernandez, President of Leica Biosystems, the collaboration seeks to combine diverse expertise to tackle complex challenges in biomarker research, ultimately enabling more precise and scalable methods that enhance the future of precision medicine. The integration of AI-assisted algorithms is pivotal in this transformation, as it allows for greater diagnostic accuracy compared to traditional scoring methods.
This partnership will utilize Leica's advanced technologies, including the BOND RX research stainer and Aperio HALO AP image management system, to facilitate the rapid development and global implementation of computational image analysis algorithms. The TROP2 NMR algorithm will be accessible via the Aperio AI Store, positioning it as a valuable resource within a unified digital pathology framework.