Pillar Biosciences Collaborates with AstraZeneca for Testing Advancements

Partnership between Pillar Biosciences and AstraZeneca

Pillar Biosciences, Inc. has teamed up with AstraZeneca to enhance the availability of liquid biopsy tumor profiling. This strategic partnership aims to provide local laboratories and clinicians with affordable and rapid Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) testing solutions, thereby increasing patient access to vital diagnostic information.

Enhancing Liquid Biopsy Testing Accessibility

The collaboration focuses on making liquid biopsy testing more accessible for tumor profiling, especially in the European markets and the UK. By utilizing advanced NGS-based panels, the partnership seeks to expedite the identification of tumors characterized by genomic alterations that are clinically relevant.

Utilizing the Latest Technology in Cancer Detection

Initially, the project will implement Pillar Biosciences’ oncoReveal Core LBx, Essential LBx, and Fusion LBx kitted NGS panels. These innovative tools allow laboratories to analyze circulating cell-free tumor DNA (cfDNA) efficiently. For instance, the oncoReveal Core LBx inspects 104 genes from cfDNA, while the Essential LBx examines 34 genes, and the Fusion LBx focuses on various fusion forms of 18 driver genes from circulating cell-free tumor RNA (cfRNA). All these processes can be completed in under three days, significantly enhancing the speed of diagnostics.

Benefits for Clinical Laboratories

This partnership is designed to support leading clinical laboratories in batching tests for both cfDNA and cfRNA from more than 22 patients at once during a single Illumina NextSeq™ run. This not only creates cost-effective solutions but also ensures high sensitivity and specificity in genetic profiling.

Improving Patient Outcomes

Dan Harma, Chief Commercial Officer of Pillar Biosciences, stated, "Access to cost-effective, user-friendly NGS kits is crucial for local labs to provide actionable insights to oncologists, ultimately supporting treatment decisions for cancer patients on a global scale." With the introduction of the oncoReveal panels, local laboratories can generate results much sooner compared to traditional methods that require samples to be sent out.

Commitment to Global Patient Access

AstraZeneca's commitment to expanding patient access to biomarker testing is evident in this partnership. John Longshore, Head of Scientific Affairs for Global Oncology Diagnostics at AstraZeneca, highlighted, "Decentralized NGS solutions are key to improving patient access to targeted therapies." The kitted methods developed also ensure that a broader range of laboratories can perform high-quality NGS testing.

Advancements in NGS Technology

The sequencing panels of Pillar Biosciences provide streamlined NGS workflows and bioinformatics support, aligning perfectly with AstraZeneca’s global initiatives. This joint effort could be revolutionary for oncologists, as it facilitates faster, more efficient testing methods essential for effective cancer treatments.

About Pillar Biosciences

Pillar Biosciences is at the forefront of Decision Medicine™, utilizing next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology to deliver precise cancer diagnostics. With over 20 NGS testing kits available, including both IVD and research-use-only formats, the organization is dedicated to optimizing therapy selection for cancer patients and enhancing monitoring throughout their treatment journeys.

Innovative Solutions for Cancer Diagnostics

Pillar's proprietary technologies, SLIMamp® and PiVAT®, significantly improve the testing process’s accessibility and cost-effectiveness. These innovations allow for the localization of testing, making it easier for clinicians and patients to access complex NGS solutions efficiently.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main goal of the Pillar Biosciences and AstraZeneca partnership?

The partnership aims to enhance the accessibility of liquid biopsy tumor profiling, making it easier for local laboratories to conduct testing for cancer patients.

How do Pillar's NGS panels work?

Pillar’s NGS panels analyze cfDNA and cfRNA to identify genomic alterations swiftly, delivering results in less than three days.

Why is liquid biopsy important for cancer diagnostics?

Liquid biopsy is crucial as it allows for less invasive sampling and timely monitoring of tumor dynamics, leading to faster treatment decisions.

What are the benefits of rapid NGS testing solutions?

Rapid NGS testing solutions provide timely results, allowing oncologists to make informed treatment decisions much quicker than traditional methods.

How does Pillar Biosciences optimize therapy selection?

Pillar utilizes precise NGS technology to create detailed profiles of tumors, aiding in the selection of the most effective precision therapies for patients.

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