Genzyme's Genetics and Diagnostics businesses form an important and highly relevant platform that connects to the corporation's therapeutic capabilities and contributes to its success.
In addition to its stand-alone services and capabilities, Genetics provides testing relevant to Genzyme LSD products that include monitoring assays, carrier testing and diagnosis. The group also provides pathology and complex testing for Genzyme oncology clinical trials, and is working to identify and test biomarkers to help researchers distinguish between responders and non-responders.
Our Genetics business grew profitably in 2007, solidifying its reproductive testing leadership while continuing to invest in the cancer testing franchise. In reproductive testing, we introduced a number of new products, including sequential testing, which combines first and second trimester results for a more accurate risk assessment. On the oncology side, Genzyme Genetics began providing molecular testing for a Cancer and Leukemia Group B (CALGB) clinical study sponsored by the National Cancer Institute evaluating the long-term survival of chronic lymphocytic leukemia patients treated early in the course of the disease.
Genetics is uniquely positioned in an environment that has seen an increasing emphasis on personalized medicine.
With 14 personalized medicine tests, Genzyme Genetics is contributing to improving physicians' ability to look at factors that help determine-and improve-care. Increasingly, the world is realizing what we have known all along: Tests can save lives, too.
In Diagnostics, 2007 was a year of record growth and profitability, and a year spent expanding connections with other Genzyme businesses. We are an increasingly important provider of raw materials, reagents and point-of-care testing for key Genzyme therapeutics, including leveraging our expertise in microbial fermentation to create raw materials for Cerezyme manufacturing and supporting clinical research in gene therapy for Parkinson's disease.
Diagnostics was integral in the development of newborn screening for genetic diseases launched in 2007. We contributed specialized design control expertise critical to the program's ability to meet compliance requirements for reagent development and manufacturing. Diagnostics will provide ongoing field support as the program moves forward.
Another key 2007 achievement was our acquisition of the diagnostics division of Diagnostics Chemicals Limited (DCL). DCL is an excellent strategic fit, bringing to Genzyme a line of 50 formulated reagents and strengthening our commercial, operational and R&D infrastructure in diagnostics.
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