VANCOUVER, British Columbia--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Contextual Genomics Inc., a leading Canadian cancer genomics company headquartered in Vancouver, Canada, announces that it has completed development of two new products: (i) an improved version of its FIND ITTM hotspot panel for detection of genomic mutations in solid tumour cancers, and (ii) its FOLLOW ITTM hotspot panel for detection of the same genomic mutations in blood plasma.
Contextual Genomics’ FIND ITTM panel, a proprietary molecular hotspot assay, now screens for 146 somatic genome alterations found in solid tumour cancers to identify optimal therapeutic treatments and recognize acquired drug resistant mutations, making it possible for doctors to customize therapies with greater precision for cancer patients. The FIND ITTM assay, supported by Contextual Genomics’ innovative, cloud-based genome analysis engine (the CGIRP), also helps to determine prognostic and diagnostic implications for patient care.
Contextual Genomics’ FOLLOW ITTM panel, a proprietary mutation detection liquid biopsy assay, screens for cell-free circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA) in plasma. FOLLOW ITTM will be deployed for patients with widespread metastatic disease at diagnosis and for use as a time series monitoring tool to read out tumour burden and treatment resistance. FOLLOW ITTM will screen for all of the same somatic genome alterations as FIND ITTM and can be used to follow disease progression for patients, including those whose tumours were initially tested with FIND ITTM.
Both the FIND ITTM and FOLLOW ITTM assays are designed for next generation sequencing (NGS) and simultaneously evaluate the mutation status of tumour DNA at 146 targeted hotspots and 23 exons in 30 cancer-associated genes. Both assays are integrated with a patented set of molecular barcoding techniques known as QUALITY NEXUS™ providing automated, centrally monitored quality assurance. FIND ITTM is currently offered by Sonic Healthcare in Australia and Idengene in Brazil.
Celia Courchene, Contextual Genomics’ President, said “Contextual Genomics is pleased to announce the newest version of FIND ITTM, containing important new mutations, including those in the POLE gene, as well as FOLLOW ITTM, our new liquid biopsy assay. These products, together with our FUSIONS assay under development, provide a full suite of NGS somatic cancer testing products for current and new clinical laboratory partners. Contextual Genomics’ sample-to-report solution for lab partners is an important, comprehensive and cost effective NGS clinical testing offering.”
About Contextual Genomics’ Products:
The FIND ITTM and FOLLOW ITTM cancer panels are multiplex, next- generation sequencing genomic assays designed for rapid deployment into labs around the world. Both FIND ITTM and FOLLOW ITTM evaluate the mutation status of tumour DNA (FIND ITTM for solid tumours; FOLLOW ITTM for cell-free circulating tumour DNA in plasma) at 146 well-characterized positions, identifying the somatic mutations that have the greatest potential to impact treatment decisions. QUALITY NEXUSTM is a quality control system embedded into all FIND ITTM and FOLLOW ITTM assays and into Contextual Genomics’ cloud-based analysis engine. FIND ITTM and FOLLOW ITTM physician reports provide clear information on test interpretation and linkages to current therapeutic options.
About Contextual Genomics (www.contextualgenomics.com):
Contextual Genomics develops cost-effective and clinically actionable molecular tests that guide diagnosis and treatment of cancer. These customized tests are offered by our partner laboratories around the world with Contextual conducting cloud-based bioinformatics services via a SaaS model. The collection of data via this robust network of partners and the use of machine-learning tools allows Contextual Genomics to improve patient care through improved clinical trial enrolment and new treatment algorithms. Contextual Genomics is founded and managed by global leaders in cancer medicine and bioinformatics, who have unparalleled expertise in cancer genomics and the clonal evolution of cancer.
This release contains forward-looking statements that are not based on historical fact. These forward-looking statements involve risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, events or developments to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements.
