New Jersey's Quest Diagnostics ($DGX) has sealed three new deals focused on next-generation diagnostics devices that could eventually help improve its fortunes in an increasingly tough reimbursement climate. One agreement with the University of California in San Francisco will focus on researching genetic mutations and other biomarkers to help predict how patients react to certain drugs. Another multi-year licensing deal with San Diego's Illumina ($ILMN) will tap into Illumina's sequencing and genotyping technology to develop new lab tests for several diseases. That agreement will also boost its biomarker testing capabilities in trials for the company's biotech and pharma clients. A third deal, with Life Technologies ($LIFE) in Carlsbad, CA, gives Quest the ability to develop molecular diagnostics tests using Life's core technology. Story