CGI to perform NGS using its recently launched Focus::Hotspot panel
Cancer Genetics has that it was selected by Japanese regenerative medicine company, ReproCELL to provide next-generation sequencing (NGS) based services and molecular information to enhance ReproCELL’s translational medicine initiatives. Under the terms of the agreement, CGI will perform NGS using its recently launched Focus::Hotspot panel. This panel targets clinically actionable and validated mutations found in several of the most common solid tumors including breast, colorectal, and lung cancers. CGI expects to process several thousand samples over the next two years at the company’s genomic lab in Hyderabad, India to aid ReproCELL in advancing its product development portfolio.
ReproCELL will be utilising the genomic information derived from CG India’s Focus::Hotspot panel to annotate tumour samples and develop a comprehensive database of cancer mutational information to accelerate translational efforts. Historically, tumour sample registries do not maintain data linking genomic mutations to tumour subtypes. Adding data to tumour sample registries will provide ReproCELL’s biopharma clients with the ability to access unique genetic signatures, which they may compare with patient samples, facilitating the design of personalised treatment plans.
“Cancer Genetics NGS Focus::Hotspot panel will provide us with the capability and translational information to offer our partners access to the genomic insights that will improve the effectiveness of their development efforts,” said Dr Chikafumi Yokoyama, CEO at ReproCELL. “Our position in next-generation drug discovery and regenerative medicine can be enhanced by focused translational initiatives that integrate genomic and molecular knowledge with our core technology.”
The NGS Focus::Hotspot panel provides a comprehensive genomic assessment of the most common solid-tumour cancer mutations, with increased sensitivity compared to other testing methodologies.
“Working with ReproCELL is a clear example of how genomic insights and regenerative medicine are coming together to transform drug discovery and healthcare. This effort represents a major milestone for Cancer Genetics, and our India operation, as we continue to focus on its high-quality growth, and on partnering with companies in the region that can utilise our capabilities to accelerate our understanding of cancer,” said Panna Sharma, CEO of Cancer Genetics.