BURLINGTON, N.C. & CARLSBAD, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--LabCorp® (NYSE: LH) announced it will adopt the Ion Torrent Genexus System* and Oncomine Precision Assay* for use in research and development of companion diagnostics as well as other future oncology and precision medicine applications. LabCorp will also evaluate the potential for future deployment of the system and test across its network of laboratories and partner facilities. The adoption is enabled through LabCorp’s participation in Thermo Fisher Scientific’s Next-Generation Sequencing Companion Dx Center of Excellence Program (COEP).
“We are very excited to collaborate with Thermo Fisher and leverage the capabilities of the Genexus system,” said Marcia Eisenberg, Ph.D., chief scientific officer of LabCorp Diagnostics. “This streamlined platform, with fast turnaround time and automated workflow, has the potential to bring the power of next-generation sequencing to a broader range of settings and to stimulate significant advances in the future for the diagnosis and treatment of a broad range of cancers.”
LabCorp will explore a variety of applications for the Genexus System and the Oncomine Precision Assay, in addition to their immediate use for cancer research and development of new tests. Upon validation, the platform’s automation will be ideal for accelerating access to next-generation sequencing (NGS) testing for clinical trials through LabCorp’s specialty and drug development central laboratories. If cleared or approved for diagnostic use, the system could be made available to smaller LabCorp laboratories, in addition to hospitals and other LabCorp customers, to help expand the reach of efficient, expedient, and cost-effective NGS testing.
Peter Silvester, senior vice president and president of Life Sciences Solutions at Thermo Fisher, said, “Through our valued partnership with LabCorp, we have a pivotal opportunity to expand access to comprehensive genomic profiling. Our goal is to improve the future standard of care by enabling our customers to leverage genomic information in every setting possible.”
The Genexus System is the first fully integrated NGS platform that delivers results in a single day. It features a specimen-to-report workflow that enables laboratories to scale their sequencing runs for processing small batches of samples economically. Developed for the Genexus System, the Oncomine Precision Assay is a pan-cancer panel that enables comprehensive genomic profiling from formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue and liquid biopsy samples. Currently, the Genexus System and Oncomine Precision Assay are being used for research purposes only.
“The Thermo Fisher Genexus System and Oncomine Precision Assay could one day be deployed throughout our central laboratories to accelerate the development of precision medicine applications, including companion diagnostics,” said Steve Anderson, Ph.D., chief scientific officer of Covance. “This platform has the potential to help expand access to NGS testing and become pivotal to LabCorp maximizing our unique capabilities in both diagnostics and drug development to benefit customers and, most importantly, patients.”
*For research use only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures.
About LabCorp
LabCorp (NYSE: LH), an S&P 500 company, is a leading global life sciences company that is deeply integrated in guiding patient care, providing comprehensive clinical laboratory and end-to-end drug development services. With a mission to improve health and improve lives, LabCorp delivers world-class diagnostic solutions, brings innovative medicines to patients faster, and uses technology to improve the delivery of care. LabCorp reported revenue of more than $11 billion in 2018. To learn more about LabCorp, visit www.LabCorp.com, and to learn more about Covance Drug Development, visit www.Covance.com.
About Thermo Fisher Scientific
Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. is the world leader in serving science, with revenues of more than $24 billion and approximately 70,000 employees globally. 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, deliver medicines to market and increase laboratory productivity. 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 services. For more information, please visit www.thermofisher.com
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