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Geneuity Adopts Thermo Fisher’s Oncomine Assay to Expand Pharmaceutical Services

Thermo Fisher Scientific
15 Jul 2015
Lois Manton-O'Byrne, PhD
Executive Editor

Industry news

Geneuity, a leader in the integration of molecular diagnostics and pathology testing for pharma, contract research organizations, and medical device companies, has announced that it is expanding early access to Thermo Fisher Scientific’s targeted, next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology and Oncomine Focus Assay for services it plans to offer to its broad pharmaceutical customer base.

Geneuity, a division of Molecular Pathology Laboratory (MPLN), recognizes that pharmaceutical companies not only need access to genomic expertise, but also to multiple platforms and technologies to support oncology clinical research studies. Geneuity’s experience in system evaluation and validation led to the selection of the Ion PGM System and Oncomine Focus Assay, which includes 52 solid tumor genes associated with current oncology drugs and published evidence. Based on Thermo Fisher’s Ion AmpliSeq technology, the assay allows 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.

“The biomarkers included in the Oncomine Focus Assay were selected using the Oncomine Knowledgebase and confirmed with industry leading pharmaceutical companies to help enable a more unified approach to companion diagnostic development,” said Mike Nolan, vice president and general manager of Oncology at Thermo Fisher Scientific. “Coupled with the Ion PGM System, the assay offers a powerful and sophisticated solution for drug development research applications.”

Geneuity’s adoption of the technology comes on the heels of the National Cancer Institute’s Molecular Analysis for Therapy Choice (NCI-MATCH) announcement last month. The trial takes a targeted sequencing approach to analyze up to 3,000 tumor samples using Ion Torrent technology and Oncomine reagents, placing 1,000 eligible patients into one of several treatment arms.

“The outcomes from this trial could eventually help pharmaceutical companies in their drug development endeavors and enable Geneuity’s clients to analyze their clinical research data in the context of the results from this large national study in the future,” said Jamie Platt, Vice President Genomic Solutions for Geneuity.

"We are delighted to be able to add this exciting technology to our service offerings at Geneuity," added Roger A. Hubbard, Ph.D., Geneuity President and Chief Executive Officer. "We believe that the Oncomine suite of tests will contribute to enabling appropriate and optimized therapies in the future."

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DNA SequencingDNA sequencing, such as sanger sequencing, is a biological technique that determines the precise order of nucleotide bases in a fragment or template of DNA. DNA sequencers and genetic analyzers are based on capillary electrophoresis, where labeled DNA fragments are electrophoretically separated by size as they migrate through a polymer. Find the best DNA sequencing products, including DNA sequencing kits, genomic libraries and genetic identity kits in our peer-reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receive pricing direct from manufacturers.Clinical GeneticsMolecular Genetics covers the analysis of hereditary genetic disease and chromosomal abnormalities. Genetics can be analysed using DNA, RNA, and protein microarrays, PCR, RT PCR and DNA sequencing. Genetic equipment includes genetic workstations, thermal cyclers, cooling blocks and electrophoresis products. Diagnostic kits are used for DNA / RNA extraction and purification.Next Generation SequencingNext-generation sequencing (NGS), also known as whole-genome sequencing, high-throughput sequencing and massive parallel sequencing, produces and analyses thousands to millions of nucleotide sequences at once. Sequencing systems operate via varying technologies depending on the manufacturer, including sequencing by synthesis, ligation, pyrosequencing, ion semiconductor and single-molecule real-time sequencing. For NGS, library preparation is paramount to successful sequencing. In this section, explore a range of library preparation kits, from targeted, amplicon-based or hybridization-based kits including epigenomic, transcriptomic and genomic workflows to fragmentation kits. Find the best next-generation sequencing products in our peer-reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receive pricing direct from manufacturers.Clinical TrialsClinical Trials, an essential part of drug discovery process, assess the safety and effectiveness of a new medication or device in the pharmaceutical industry. Clinical Trials are a phased process (Phase 0, Phase I, Phase II, Phase III and Phase IV) which begins after initial preclinical testing.CRO ServicesExplore the comprehensive range of services offered by Contract Research Organizations (CROs) to streamline drug development and clinical research. From preclinical studies to regulatory support and clinical trials, CROs provide expert solutions that help pharmaceutical and biotech companies bring products to market faster and more efficiently.DNADeoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) is the main component of chromosomes and the carrier of genetic information of living organisms. Find out here about PCR, NGS, ChIP-Seq, gel imaging, and many other techniques which can be used for the analysis of DNA.RNARNA is a nucleic acid that plays a key role in gene expression and protein synthesis. It serves as a messenger between DNA and ribosomes, carrying genetic instructions to produce proteins. Advances in RNA-based therapies, such as mRNA vaccines and gene editing, have revolutionized treatment strategies for genetic disorders and infectious diseases. Explore RNA research tools and therapies in our peer-reviewed product directory; compare products, check customer reviews, and get pricing directly from manufacturers.Clinical NGSNext Generation Sequencing (NGS) refers to the use of massive parallel sequencing of multiple small fragments of DNA. This high-throughput genomic analysis yields enormous amounts of sequence data, which if appropriately analyzed could have huge potential for clinical laboratories. For this to happen there are technique and bioinformatic hurdles to be overcome.Molecular DiagnosticsMolecular diagnostics use an individual’s genetic code and gene expression to diagnose and monitor diseases. The technique is used increasingly in the field of infectious diseases and oncology, as well as areas such as coagulation, HLA typing and pharmacogenomics. Molecular diagnostics plays a pivotal role in personalized medicine.PharmaceuticalsPharmaceuticals are medicinal drugs used in healthcare to diagnose, prevent, cure and treat illnesses. Pharmaceuticals that are excreted after use appear in wastewater and can have detrimental effects on the environment.

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Geneuity Adopts Thermo Fisher’s Oncomine Assay to Expand Pharmaceutical Services