CrisprBits Unveils State-of-the-Art CRISPR Gene Editing Lab in Bengaluru

Takara Bio Acquires Curio Bioscience, Advancing Leadership in Spatial Genomics

Tempus AI Launches FDA-Approved xT CDx for Comprehensive Solid Tumor Profiling

FDA Accepts Eisai’s Biologics License Application for LEQEMBI® Subcutaneous Autoinjector for Alzheimer’s Disease

Paige’s FullFocus™ Digital Pathology Viewer Receives FDA 510(k) Clearance for Expanded Compatibility

Grifols, MJFF Launch Chronos-PD to Identify Early Parkinson’s Biomarkers

Gates Foundation Invests $50M in Tessera’s In Vivo Gene-Editing Therapy for Sickle Cell Disease

GSK Acquires IDRx for $1 Billion to Advance Precision Therapy for GIST

Scipher Medicine and Roivant Partner to Advance Precision Medicine in Rheumatology

Roche Secures FDA Clearance for VENTANA® Kappa and Lambda Dual ISH mRNA Probe Cocktail to Enhance B-Cell Lymphoma Diagnosis

Illumina Launches Pilot Proteomics Program with UK Biobank and Industry Partners

NavDx Test Expands Availability for Enhanced Surveillance in HPV+ Anal Cancer Patients

QIAGEN Enhances QIAcuity Digital PCR with Expanded Multiplexing Capabilities

Boehringer Ingelheim Licenses Synaffix’s ADC Technology to Advance Cancer Therapies

AIG Hospitals to Launch ₹800 Crore Oncology Centre with South-East Asia’s First Dynamic ARC Proton Therapy

29 Dec 2024

Digital Pathology Biomarkers: Transforming Precision Oncology Diagnostics and Treatment

Digital pathology is a rapidly growing field in precision oncology, enabling more precise diagnostics and personalized treatment strategies. The use of digital pathology biomarkers involves the integration of high-quality, digitized tissue images with advanced computational tools to extract meaningful insights that support cancer diagnosis and treatment decisions. Here are some key digital pathology biomarkers and how they are applied in precision oncology: 1. Histopathological Features: Advanced image analysis algorithms can quantify histological features, such as tumor cell morphology, the degree of tumor differentiation, and the stromal environment. These features can help predict patient prognosis, assess treatment responses, and identify tumor heterogeneity. 2. Immune Cell Infiltration: By analyzing digital slides, pathologists can assess the presence and density of immune cells (e.g., T-cells, macrophages) in the tumor microenvironment. This can be used to predict the efficacy of immunotherapy and assess the tumor's immune response. 3. Tumor-Infiltrating Lymphocytes (TILs): High-resolution imaging and AI-driven methods can assess TILs in various cancers, helping to predict clinical outcomes and response to therapies such as checkpoint inhibitors. 4. Genetic and Epigenetic Biomarkers: Digital pathology can be integrated with molecular profiling data (e.g., genomic, transcriptomic) to correlate histological patterns with specific genetic alterations. This provides insights into the molecular drivers of cancer and helps guide targeted therapy decisions. 5. PD-L1 Expression: The expression of PD-L1 on tumor cells is a key biomarker for assessing eligibility for PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitor therapies. Digital pathology platforms can provide more accurate and reproducible quantification of PD-L1 expression compared to traditional manual methods. 6. Spatial Tumor Microenvironment (TME) Analysis: Digital pathology enables the mapping of the TME, identifying the spatial distribution of cancer cells, stromal components, and immune cells. This can provide insights into how the TME influences tumor progression and treatment response. 7. Molecular Imaging: Techniques such as fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) or immunohistochemistry (IHC) are used in digital pathology to visualize the expression of specific proteins or genetic markers associated with tumorigenesis, like HER2 in breast cancer or EGFR mutations in lung cancer. 8. Quantitative Pathology: The use of artificial intelligence and machine learning to analyze digitized tissue samples can provide quantitative biomarkers, such as tumor volume, mitotic index, and more, enabling more accurate and reproducible diagnostics. By combining digital pathology with other precision oncology approaches, such as genomics and radiomics, this field is transforming cancer diagnosis and treatment, allowing for more personalized, effective therapies.

27 Dec 2024

Global and Indian Genetic Testing Market Trends in 2025

Global Trends

Advancements in genetic testing technologies, such as next-generation sequencing (NGS) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR), have significantly improved the accuracy, efficiency, and affordability of genetic analyses, driving the global market forward. Companies like Qiagen are leveraging these innovations, aiming for a 7% annual growth rate in sales until 2028 through their focus on PCR-based genetic testing machines and diagnostic tests for cancer and infectious diseases.
Cited Source: Reuters

The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) with genetic data is opening new opportunities in the sector. Tempus AI, a company specializing in AI-driven clinical and molecular data, has gained recognition from Wall Street analysts for its advanced diagnostic tools, which are anticipated to drive considerable revenue growth in the near future.
Cited Source: Reuters

India-Specific Trends

The genetic testing market in India is rapidly expanding, with the market valued at USD 69.24 million in 2024 and projected to reach USD 103.70 million by 2030, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.89%.
Cited Source: TechSci Research

The direct-to-consumer (DTC) genetic testing segment is also gaining momentum. It is expected to grow at a CAGR of 22.8% from 2024 to 2030, reaching a projected revenue of USD 154.1 million by 2030.
Cited Source: Grand View Research

Key Growth Factors in India:

Increased Awareness: Growing public acceptance of genetic testing for diagnosing genetic disorders and diseases.
Technological Advancements: Adoption of advanced technologies like NGS and PCR has enhanced testing precision and efficiency.
Prevalence of Genetic Disorders: Rising cases of genetic and chronic diseases are fueling demand for testing services.
Government Initiatives: Investments in healthcare infrastructure and personalized medicine are fostering market growth.

Conclusion

Globally and in India, the genetic testing market is set for substantial growth by 2025. Key drivers include advancements in NGS and AI integration, increased public awareness, and strategic healthcare initiatives.

25 Dec 2024

Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Emerging Therapies

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a rare genetic disorder caused by mutations in the dystrophin gene, essential for muscle function. Without sufficient dystrophin, muscle cells weaken and deteriorate over time. DMD primarily affects males, as the dystrophin gene is located on the X chromosome. Females with one mutated copy of the gene are typically carriers but may exhibit mild symptoms. Mutations can be inherited from a carrier parent or occur spontaneously in families with no prior history.

Over 7,000 unique mutations in the dystrophin gene have been identified. Genetic testing, using blood or saliva, is critical for diagnosing DMD and identifying deletions, duplications, or small changes in the gene. Results are typically available within three weeks and are instrumental for patient care and family planning. Comprehensive testing detects mutations in 95% of cases, though additional tests may be necessary for others.

Companies like Sarepta Therapeutics, while primarily focused on developing DMD treatments such as Elevidys, also provide genetic testing resources and support through their patient assistance programs.

Conventional DMD treatments include corticosteroids like prednisone and deflazacort, which slow muscle degeneration and improve motor function. Physical therapy, assistive devices, and respiratory support also play vital roles in managing symptoms and improving quality of life.

Recent advancements in gene therapy show promise. The FDA approved Elevidys in 2023 for children aged 4–5 years, with expanded approval in 2024 for older individuals. Elevidys delivers a modified dystrophin gene via a viral vector, producing a functional, shortened version of the protein. Administered as a single intravenous dose, it stabilizes symptoms and enhances strength. However, long-term efficacy and safety require further study, with some reports of severe immune reactions.

Ongoing research and innovation offer hope for better outcomes, empowering individuals and families impacted by this debilitating disease.

Digital Pathology Biomarkers: Transforming Precision Oncology Diagnostics and Treatment

Medical issues and perspectives

Global and Indian Genetic Testing Market Trends in 2025

Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Emerging Therapies