NGS-based oncology test system, 10/14

October 2014—Illumina announced it has formed collaborative partnerships with leading pharmaceutical companies to develop a universal next-generation-sequencing-based oncology test system. The system will be used for clinical trials of targeted cancer therapies with a goal of developing and commercializing a multigene panel for therapeutic selection, resulting in a more comprehensive tool for precision medicine. Initial strategic partners include AstraZeneca, Janssen Biotech, and Sanofi.

Illumina is working with the strategic partners to develop assays that detect and measure multiple variants simultaneously to support partners’ clinical trials, with the objectives of securing regulatory agency approvals and test commercialization. In parallel, Illumina is working with key thought leaders to set standards for NGS-based assays in routine clinical oncology practice, as well as to define regulatory frameworks to enable this new testing paradigm. Together, Illumina and its strategic partners aim to transition from single-analyte companion diagnostics to panel-based assays that select for “companion therapeutics.”

Illumina, 858-202-4500