HOUSTON & CARLSBAD, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Scientists at CompanionDX are collaborating with Thermo Fisher Scientific to establish new next-generation sequencing (NGS) services that could be used in combination with pharmacogenomics (PGx) to help enable drug development and clinical research programs by pharmaceutical companies.
CompanionDx selected both the Oncomine Focus Assay and the Oncomine Comprehensive Assay to provide a complementary offering for clients performing studies across a range of different cancer types. Designed for translational and clinical research, the Oncomine Focus Assay includes 52 solid tumor genes associated with current oncology drugs and published evidence. Additionally, the Oncomine Comprehensive Assay enables analysis of a broader set of genes relevant to published trials.
Based on Thermo Fisher’s Ion AmpliSeq technology, both these assays allow detection of single nucleotide somatic changes, inversions, insertions and deletions as well as gene fusions and copy number variations using as little as 10ng of formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) DNA and RNA. This enables CompanionDx to analyze samples that may contain partially degraded or limited tumor material and generate reportable results from more samples than previously possible with lower acceptance thresholds for FFPE tumor DNA and RNA.
“Thermo Fisher Scientific’s Ion Torrent NGS system and QuantStudio real-time PCR system have provided CompanionDx the opportunity to create a unique integrated solution. We can utilize a smaller sample size, provide a more responsive turnaround time and deliver a more relevant information with the ability to detect four types of mutations in one workflow,” said David Lasecki, president of CompanionDx. “In the future, our pharmaceutical partners will be able to leverage the data derived from these advanced platforms to aid their drug development programs designed to eventually provide the right care for the condition they are targeting.”
“The Oncomine Focus and Oncomine Comprehensive Assays offer powerful NGS-based solutions for detection of relevant genes in a simplified workflow,” said Mike Nolan, vice president and general manager of Oncology for Thermo Fisher Scientific, “Coupled with the Applied Biosystems real-time pharmacogenomics solution, these sophisticated tools further expand the capability of labs aiming to assist drug development research.”
CompanionDx’s plans to begin offering its expanded next-generation sequencing solutions by the end of the second quarter of this year.
The Oncomine Focus and Oncomine Comprehensive Assays are For Research Use Only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures.
About CompanionDx
CompanionDx is the integrated genomic diagnostic and decision support company. Headquartered in Houston, TX CompanionDx is committed to enhancing and extending patients’ lives by providing physicians with the actionable intelligence they need. Only CompanionDx has the integrated genomic solutions, combining diagnostics such as next-generation sequencing, pharmacogenomics and drug monitoring. CompanionDx’s certified molecular biologists, pathologists and technologists conduct all tests within two CLIA-certified, high-complexity labs, while continually seeking ways to improve the approach to patient therapy. From tumor diagnosis to treatment, CompanionDx delivers the clinical insight physicians need while continuing to advance the field with data intelligence. For more information about how CompanionDx is redefining the patient journey, visit www.companiondxlab.com
About Thermo Fisher Scientific
Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. is the world leader in serving science, with revenues of $17 billion and approximately 50,000 employees in 50 countries. Our mission is to enable our customers to make the world healthier, cleaner and safer. Through our premier brands – Thermo Scientific, Applied Biosystems, Invitrogen, 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
