Sirona Dx Expands to include Oncomine Focus Assay
VANCOUVER, Wash. – (Nov. 10, 2016) – Sirona Dx, a leader in high complexity genomics and proteomics services, today announced it has adopted Thermo Fisher Scientific’s Oncomine Focus Assay to run on the Ion PGM System and expand its drug development and next generation sequencing (NGS) services offered to pharmaceutical and clinical research clients.
Sirona Dx recognizes that pharmaceutical companies require access to genomic expertise as well as multiple platforms and technologies to support oncology clinical research studies. After its comprehensive evaluation and validation, Sirona Dx chose to complement its current service offerings with the Oncomine Focus Assay, which includes 52 solid tumor genes, many associated with current oncology therapies and published evidence.
“We are in a revolutionary time in the world of cancer research. The ability to understand the specific genomic makeup of a tumor and have that information drive drug development and eventually treatment is empowering,” said Nasry Yassa, Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer of Sirona Dx. “The Oncomine Focus Assay represents the best of what is available in terms of content and technology.”
The assay’s content is driven by the Oncomine Knowledgebase, the world’s largest curated compendium of cancer genomic information and confirmed with industry-leading pharmaceutical companies, to help enable a more unified approach to companion diagnostic and drug development. It is powered by proven Ion AmpliSeq technology to enable 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 in a single workflow.
“We differentiate ourselves by securing early access to advanced technologies that align with pharma requirements in support of drug development programs,” said Charles J. Sailey, MD, MS, FCAP, FASCP, Chief Medical Officer of Sirona Dx. “We are very encouraged by the ability of the Oncomine Focus Assay to enable routine analysis of FFPE samples. To further accelerate drug development programs, we’re investigating Ion Torrent solutions for liquid biopsies and circulating tumor cells with plans to offer additional services in the future.”
“Pharmaceutical companies are in the midst of a paradigm shift in their drug development strategy, which is leading to a pronounced need for targeted NGS tools that enable precision and efficiency,” said Joydeep Goswami, president of clinical next generation sequencing at Thermo Fisher Scientific. “We are proud that Sirona Dx has joined the growing list of partners who have adopted our Oncomine technology in an effort to help the pharma industry develop new therapeutics.”