Diagnostics firm Biodesix has announced the expansion of its partnership agreement with Bio-Rad Laboratories. Biodesix will conduct the development, clinical validation, and regulatory submissions of in vitro diagnostic (IVD) assays to enable highly sensitive detection of multiple genomic markers focused on oncology applications, using Bio-Rad’s Droplet Digital PCR (ddPCR) technology.
Following regulatory clearance, Biodesix will manufacture and distribute dedicated specimen collection kits for the developed assays, which will use Bio-Rad’s QX600 platform.
The first assays to be validated under the agreement include Bio-Rad’s ddPLEX ESR1 Mutation Detection Assay. ESR1 testing is becoming critical in HR+/HER2- advanced breast cancer due to the clinically demonstrated survival benefits from a new generation of therapy called oral selective estrogen receptor degraders (SERDs). The ddPLEX ESR1 Mutation assay will enable highly sensitive detection and absolute quantification of multiple ESR1 mutations from ctDNA samples.
Once validated, the ESR1 assay will be offered as a test service at Biodesix’ accredited CLIA-CAP laboratory for biopharma customers to support the development of targeted therapeutics, as well as for clinical customers to support cancer treatment monitoring.
“The emergence of ESR1 mutations as biomarkers for breast cancer has had a significant impact on the oncology market, leading to an increased global demand for rapid, sensitive assays,” said Scott Hutton, CEO, Biodesix. “We are proud to expand our partnership with Bio-Rad through this new agreement, demonstrating how our combined capabilities in mutation detection can address clinical needs with speed and precision, and opening doors to personalised, data-driven medicine.”
“Through our long-standing relationship with Biodesix we have effectively delivered both clinical and research-based applications of our ddPCR technology for non-small cell lung cancer, as part of its Lung Diagnostics portfolio,” commented Steve Kulisch, VP Product Management, Life Science Group, Bio-Rad Laboratories. “Validation of our ddPLEX ESR1 kits will further expand our combined capabilities in clinical diagnostics, increasing access to sensitive biomarker detection for advanced breast cancer.”