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Ion Torrent Genexus launched at AMP meeting

January 2020—Thermo Fisher Scientific launched at the Association for Molecular Pathology meeting in November its Ion Torrent Genexus System. It is a fully integrated, next-generation sequencing platform that features an automated specimen-to-report workflow, with results provided in a single day.

The company also introduced its Oncomine Precision Assay, a pan-cancer panel for the Genexus platform, for comprehensive genomic profiling from formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue and liquid biopsy samples with a single assay.

The Genexus System minimizes user intervention and the potential for human error. Thermo Fisher says the system requires minimal amounts of tissue sample and can run small batches cost-effectively to deliver a comprehensive report in one day. Together, the company said in a statement, “these features set the stage for molecular pathologists in the future to analyze NGS information in parallel with first-line testing modalities such as immunohistochemistry.”

The Oncomine Precision Assay maximizes detection of relevant biomarkers, such as EGFR, ALK, KRAS, BRAF, ROS1, NTRK, RET, HER2, ERBB2, and others, via sequencing from FFPE and liquid biopsy samples. When combined with the Genexus System, Thermo Fisher said in its statement, molecular testing laboratories will soon be able to generate comprehensive NGS results within the same time frame as single-gene tests. The assay marks the first of several panels planned for oncology studies and other research application areas, the company added, including infectious disease, inherited disease, and reproductive health.

FDA approves QFT-Plus on Liaison platforms

Qiagen and DiaSorin announced in November the U.S. launch of an automated workflow for Quanti­Feron-TB Plus on DiaSorin’s Liaison platforms.

The Food and Drug Administration approved the Liaison Quanti­Feron-TB Plus Test, developed by Qiagen and DiaSorin to offer streamlined laboratory automation for latent TB screening, supporting the conversion from tuberculin skin tests to blood-based Quanti­Feron technology. The workflow pairs Qiagen’s standard Quanti­Feron-TB Gold Plus Blood Collection Tubes with DiaSorin’s newly launched Liaison Quanti­Feron-TB Plus detection assay.