With Genoptix, Novartis Continues Its Diagnostics Build-up

Novartis' $440 million offer for cancer testing services lab Genoptix is another sign of the pharma giant's intent to build a full-blown molecular diagnostics business. The acquisition adds muscle to its existing Molecular Diagnostics unit. Coming just months after GE grabbed up Clarient, it is another example of the value of a specialty cancer services testing operation to an organization looking to bolster channel access to oncologists and pathologists.