Leica Biosystems Announces Expansion of Collaboration to Scale Precision Medicine and Develop AI-Powered Diagnostics
The Danaher company expands its collaboration with AstraZeneca and Daiichi Sankyo to develop an end-to-end system for TROP2 NMR in non-small cell lung cancer
Newcastle, United Kingdom — May 29, 2026 — Leica Biosystems, a Danaher company and a global leader in end-to-end anatomic and digital pathology solutions, today announced an expansion of its strategic collaboration with AstraZeneca and Daiichi Sankyo to develop an immunohistochemistry (IHC) assay and image analysis algorithm, specifically for the TROP2 Normalized Membrane Ratio (NMR) biomarker in non-small cell lung cancer, for use as a research tool only.
The collaboration, first announced in May 2025, is built on AstraZeneca’s proprietary computational pathology algorithm, Quantitative Continuous Scoring (QCS), using Leica Biosystems’ leading digital pathology solutions and IHC assay development capabilities. It establishes an end-to-end solution to assess a novel biomarker that incorporates both membrane and cytoplasmic expression. This approach advances the application of digital and computational pathology tools, including AI‑assisted algorithms, to enable the development of diagnostic approaches that have the potential to identify patients most likely to benefit from targeted therapies.
“Advancing cancer diagnostics requires more than individual innovations; it demands collaboration across science, technology, and workflow,” said Gustavo Perez-Fernandez, Group Executive, Diagnostics, at Danaher and President of Leica Biosystems. “By working alongside AstraZeneca and Daiichi Sankyo, we are bringing together complementary expertise to help address some of the most complex challenges in biomarker research, with the aim of enabling more precise and scalable approaches that support the future of precision medicine.”
Computational pathology algorithms have the potential to enable diagnostic precision beyond traditional manual scoring methods. As pathology undergoes rapid transformation, the industry is increasingly shifting toward digital workflows enabled by whole-slide imaging (WSI), digital slide visualization platforms, and advanced AI algorithms.
The collaboration will leverage the BOND RX research stainer, BOND-III clinical stainer, Aperio GT 450 scanner, and the Aperio HALO AP image management system from Leica Biosystems to support rapid development and global deployment of computational image analysis algorithms. The TROP2 NMR algorithm will be delivered through the Aperio AI Store, the open marketplace for AI and image analysis solutions from Leica Biosystems, enabling users to evaluate and deploy tools within a unified digital and computational pathology platform.
“This collaboration reflects the industry’s shift toward integrated best-in-class open digital ecosystems,” said Karan Arora, Senior Vice President of Advanced Assays, AI, and Pharma Partnerships at Leica Biosystems. “We’re proud to bring to this partnership our longstanding leadership in digital pathology, along with deep expertise in helping laboratories successfully adopt and operationalize computational workflows.”
Leica Biosystems’ initiatives reflect its commitment to advancing computational pathology innovation and establishing an integrated, end-to-end pathway for diagnostic development, from early assay feasibility through global deployment.
For Research Use Only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures.
About Leica Biosystems
Leica Biosystems is a cancer diagnostics company and a global leader in anatomic and digital pathology solutions. The company offers a comprehensive product range for each step in the pathology process, from sample preparation and staining to imaging and reporting. As the only company to own the full workflow from biopsy to diagnosis, Leica Biosystems is uniquely positioned to break down the barriers between each step. The company’s mission of “Advancing Cancer Diagnostics, Improving Lives” is at the heart of its corporate culture. Leica Biosystems is proud to be a Danaher Corporation subsidiary.
About Danaher
Danaher is a leading global life sciences and diagnostics innovator, committed to accelerating the power of science and technology to improve human health. Through our connected ecosystem of industry-leading businesses, we work side by side with customers to solve their most complex scientific and clinical challenges—helping move innovations from discovery to delivery faster for patients who depend on them. Powered by the Danaher Business System, our advanced science and technology and proven ability to innovate help enable faster, more accurate diagnoses and reduce the time, cost, and risk required to discover, develop, and deliver life-changing therapies. Through continuous improvement and operational excellence, our approximately 60,000 associates worldwide are focused on delivering lasting impact and improving quality of life around the world, while building a healthier, more sustainable tomorrow. Explore more at www.danaher.com.
Media Contact:
Emma Brown, Head of Communications
Emily.brown@leicabiosystems.com
