CARLSBAD, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Thermo Fisher Scientific today announced it has signed an agreement with Cynvenio Biosystems Inc., a molecular testing company focused on the genomic analysis of tumor biomarkers in the bloodstream, for rights to distribute its LiquidBiopsy platform.
The addition of Cynvenio’s rare cell enrichment technology complements Thermo Fisher’s Ion Torrent Personal Genome Machine (PGM) workflow and positions the company as the only one in the industry to offer a comprehensive sample-to-genomic data solution for research using a single blood draw for analysis of circulating tumor cells (CTC), cell-free DNA (cfDNA) and normal DNA in less than 48 hours. The workflow enables researchers to conduct highly multiplexed analyses on serially collected blood samples.
The molecular analysis of CTCs and cfDNA that are released into the bloodstream offers a promising new research tool to aid in the development of future solutions for early cancer detection and therapy selection without the need for a tumor tissue biopsy. Studies have shown that serial monitoring of molecularly profiled CTCs and cfDNA both during and after therapy holds great potential to better understand the mechanisms of therapy response and tumor recurrence. Alternative methods include tissue biopsies, which are costly, highly invasive and vary in the amount of sample that can be retrieved.
“As a company, we are dedicated to facilitating a new era of individualized medicine,” said Cynvenio Chief Executive Officer André de Fusco. “To that end, we see incredible value that our platform and Thermo Fisher’s next generations sequencing workflow can bring to translational researchers globally.”
The automated LiquidBiopsy platform is designed to efficiently extract and isolate CTCs from a standard blood draw in preparation for both high content imaging and genomic analysis. The high CTC purity rate, in conjunction with the Ion Torrent PGM’s capability to accurately sequence as little as 10ng of DNA, enables highly multiplexed interrogation on one Ion 318 sequencing chip from a single blood sample. The workflow also incorporates the Ion Torrent Chef System for automated sample prep and the Ion Torrent AmpliSeq Cancer Hot Spot Panel v2, which targets about 2,800 specific gene mutations for sequencing prior to final analysis with the Ion Torrent Reporter software.
“In our evaluation of peripheral monitoring technologies on the market, Cynvenio’s LiquidBiopsy platform offers the most compatible addition to our next generation sequencing workflow, particularly as it applies to our evolving oncology strategy,” said Chris Linthwaite, president, Genetic, Medical and Applied Sciences, Thermo Fisher Scientific. “The agreement with Cynvenio also underscores our commitment to provide our oncology research customers with innovative tools to help advance the future of cancer care.”
Cynvenio’s liquid biopsy platform as well as the Ion Torrent PGM, Ion Torrent Chef and AmpliSeq Cancer Hot Spot Panel v2 are For Research Use only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures.
About Thermo Fisher Scientific
Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. is the world leader in serving science, with revenues of $17 billion and 50,000 employees in 50 countries. Our mission is to enable our customers to make the world healthier, cleaner and safer. We help our customers accelerate life sciences research, solve complex analytical challenges, improve patient diagnostics and increase laboratory productivity. Through our four premier brands – Thermo Scientific, Life Technologies, Fisher Scientific and Unity Lab Services – we offer an unmatched combination of innovative technologies, purchasing convenience and comprehensive support. For more information, please visit www.thermofisher.com.
