Leica Biosystems, a global provider of anatomic and digital pathology solutions and a subsidiary of Danaher, has expanded its strategic collaboration with AstraZeneca and Daiichi Sankyo to develop a novel immunohistochemistry (IHC) assay and image analysis algorithm for the TROP2 Normalised Membrane Ratio (NMR) biomarker in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC). The solution will initially be available for research use only.

The expanded partnership builds on a collaboration first announced in May 2025 and combines AstraZeneca’s proprietary Quantitative Continuous Scoring (QCS) computational pathology algorithm with Leica Biosystems’ expertise in digital pathology and IHC assay development. Together, the companies aim to create an end-to-end solution capable of assessing a novel biomarker that incorporates both membrane and cytoplasmic expression patterns.

The initiative reflects growing industry efforts to leverage digital pathology, artificial intelligence and computational analysis to improve biomarker evaluation and support the development of more targeted cancer therapies. By integrating advanced image analysis with pathology workflows, the collaboration seeks to enhance the identification of patients who may benefit most from precision oncology treatments.

Gustavo Perez-Fernandez, Group Executive, Diagnostics at Danaher and President of Leica Biosystems, said that advancing cancer diagnostics requires close collaboration across scientific, technological and operational domains. He noted that the partnership combines complementary expertise to address complex biomarker research challenges and support the future of precision medicine through more scalable and accurate diagnostic approaches.

As pathology laboratories increasingly transition from traditional manual assessment methods to digital workflows, computational pathology algorithms are emerging as powerful tools for improving diagnostic precision. The collaboration will utilize Leica Biosystems’ BOND RX research stainer, BOND-III clinical stainer, Aperio GT 450 scanner and Aperio HALO AP image management system to accelerate assay development and support the deployment of image analysis algorithms on a global scale.

The resulting TROP2 NMR algorithm will be made available through the Aperio AI Store, Leica Biosystems’ open marketplace for artificial intelligence and image analysis solutions. This will enable researchers and laboratories to access, evaluate and implement computational pathology tools within a unified digital pathology ecosystem.

Karan Arora, Senior Vice President of Advanced Assays, AI and Pharma Partnerships at Leica Biosystems, said the collaboration highlights the industry's shift toward integrated, open digital pathology ecosystems. He emphasised that Leica Biosystems’ expertise in digital pathology and computational workflow adoption will play a key role in supporting the initiative.

The company stated that the partnership aligns with its broader strategy of advancing computational pathology innovation and creating integrated pathways for diagnostic development, from early-stage assay research through global implementation.

Leica Biosystems continues to strengthen its position in cancer diagnostics by offering solutions across the entire pathology workflow, while Danaher remains focused on accelerating scientific innovation and improving patient outcomes through its global life sciences and diagnostics ecosystem.