LabCorp announced that it will adopt Thermo Fisher Scientific's Ion Torrent Genexus next-generation sequencing (NGS) system and Oncomine precision assay for use in research and development of companion diagnostics and precision medicine applications.
LabCorp will also evaluate the potential for future deployment of the Genexus system and test across its network of laboratories and partner facilities. The adoption is enabled through LabCorp's participation in Thermo Fisher's Next-Generation Sequencing Companion Dx Center of Excellence Program (COEP).
Genexus is the first fully integrated NGS platform that delivers results in a single day, according to the company. It features a specimen-to-report workflow that enables laboratories to scale their sequencing runs for processing small batches of samples economically.
The Oncomine assay is a pancancer panel that enables comprehensive genomic profiling from formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue and liquid biopsy samples.
The products are currently being used for research purposes only, but the organizations hope they can move to commercial and clinical settings soon.
LabCorp will explore a variety of applications for Genexus and Oncomine. Upon validation, the platform's automation will be ideal for accelerating access to 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.
