Contextual Genomics & the Personalized Medicine Initiative Add ArcherDX, the Sixth Consortium Partner, to its National Access...
03 August 2015 - 11:00PM
Business Wire
Contextual Genomics, developers of genomics-based cancer tests,
and the Personalized Medicine Initiative (PMI), an organization
bringing molecular-based medicine to Canadians, are pleased to
welcome its sixth consortium partner, ArcherDX, to the National
Access Project. ArcherDX develops best-in-class next generation
sequencing (NGS) applications.
The goal of the National Access Project is to make genomics
testing a standard practice in cancer care and to help inform
treatment decisions and drive a change towards personalized
medicine. This individualized approach will result in improved
quality of life, better health outcomes and major cost savings to
health care systems. ArcherDX is the sixth partner to join the
National Access Project, which also includes AstraZeneca, Illumina,
LifeLabs, Pfizer, and Sanofi.
“ArcherDX is a leading developer of gene fusion assays and we
are very pleased to utilize their products in identifying lung
cancer gene mutations,” commented Chris Wagner, President and CEO
of Contextual Genomics. “The National Access Project’s genomics
cancer tests identify the gene mutations contributing to the
cancers. In lung cancer in particular, an abnormal EML4-ALK gene
fusion can occur, and Archer’s FusionPlex™ technology will enhance
our cancer panel tests to identify this mutated gene fusion in lung
cancer patients.”
“We believe the National Access Project is leading the way in
the shift towards personalized cancer care,” stated Jason Myers,
CEO of ArcherDX. “Lung cancer is the most lethal type of cancer,
and the EML4-ALK gene fusion mutation is linked almost exclusively
to non-smokers. Through the National Access Project, we hope to
further our understanding of the potential causes of this mutation
and improve the health outcomes for people with lung cancer,” Myers
added.
About The National Access ProjectThe National Access
Project for Cancer Testing, managed by the Personalized Medicine
Initiative with testing provided by Contextual Genomics, provides a
90-mutation cancer genomics test for 2,000 cancer patients free of
charge in ten centres across Canada. Each identified mutation is
actionable with current medications or Phase 3 investigational
treatments. As part of the program, real-time reports will be made
available enabling patients and oncologists to make informed
treatment decisions early.
The first phase of the project is currently underway and is
retrospectively mapping tumours to identify the mutations for
approximately 500 patients. The results of the genetic mapping and
corresponding therapies will be shared with oncologists.
This second phase will involve broadening the patient base to
approximately 1,500 patients across the country to prospectively
evaluate and match specific tumor types with approximately 40
therapy options. It is hoped that by understanding a patient’s
personal genomic profile, both healthcare professional and patients
will be better equipped to diagnose and treat cancer. The goal of
personalized medicine is to improve patient outcomes and reduce
healthcare costs and adverse drug reactions.
About Contextual Genomics:
www.contextualgenomics.comContextual Genomics is developing a novel
suite of standardized genomics-based cancer tests to identify a
patient’s tumour profile. This precision in cancer diagnosis allows
healthcare professionals to more accurately determine the most
effective treatment options for the patient using a single test.
The company’s first products are actionable molecular tests that
unify multiple companion diagnostics for multiple medicines into a
single test that guides diagnosis and treatment of cancer.
Led by global leaders in molecular diagnostics, genomics and
bioinformatics who have unparalleled expertise in genomic assay
development, Contextual Genomics aims to bring patients a gold
standard in molecular diagnostics that will lead to advanced
services in personalized cancer care.
About Personalized Medicine Initiative:
http://personalizedmedicineinitiative.caThe PMI is an inclusive
organization representing stakeholders in BC and Canada that has
the objective of bringing personalized, molecularly-based medicine
to Canadians with the aim of improving healthcare outcomes and
efficiency as well as enabling more effective preventive health
delivery. The PMI is based at the Life Sciences Institute at UBC;
Canada’s leading Life Sciences Institute. http://lsi.ubc.ca
About ArcherDX: www.archerdx.comArcherDX addresses the
bottlenecks associated with using next-generation sequencing in
translational research by offering a robust platform for targeted
sequencing applications. Combining Anchored Multiplexed PCR (AMP)
chemistry and easy-to-use, lyophilized reagents, our technology
generates a highly enriched library of gene targets of interest for
downstream genomic sequencing. Complemented by the Archer™ suite of
bioinformatics software and readily accessible reports, ArcherDX’s
technology enables enhancement in mutation detection speed as well
as complex mutation identification and discovery. ArcherDX offers
FusionPlex panels to detect ALK, RET, ROS1, FGFR and NTRK fusions
and those associated with sarcomas and hematological malignancies.
ArcherDX is headquartered in Boulder, Colo., and maintains
manufacturing operations in Beverly, Mass.
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.
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Contextual GenomicsChris Wagner, 778-379-2931President
and CEOcwagner@contextualgenomics.comorPersonalized Medicine
InitiativeRob Fraser, PhD, 604-827-2088COO, Personalized
Medicine Initiativerobertfr@mail.ubc.caorArcherDXTodd
PollardVice President of Global Sales and
Supporttpollard@archerdx.com