Biocartis, headquartered in Mechelen, Belgium, has recently announced an expansion of its partnership with Merck Serono Middle East and Merck Saudi Ltd., both affiliates of Merck KGaA, aimed at enhancing patient access to RAS biomarker testing in the Middle East and North Africa (MEA) region.
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a prevalent global health concern, with over 1.9 million new cases annually and approximately 904 thousand deaths each year, ranking as the second most common cause of cancer-related mortality. Personalized treatment decisions in metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) rely heavily on understanding a patient’s biomarker status, particularly regarding the RAS pathway. Anti-epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) monoclonal antibody therapies have demonstrated efficacy in patients with RAS wild-type mCRC, thus becoming standard treatment options.
However, RAS biomarker testing faces challenges, including limited accessibility in various regions worldwide. Biocartis addresses this gap with its Idylla™ KRAS Mutation Test and Idylla™ NRAS-BRAF Mutation Test, renowned for their accuracy and rapid results. These tests, compatible with the user-friendly Idylla™ Platform, can be deployed in diverse settings, facilitating global patient access to biomarker testing.
Roger Moody, CEO of Biocartis, expressed enthusiasm about the extended collaboration with Merck in the MEA region, emphasizing the shared commitment to advancing healthcare solutions. Biocartis aims to democratize personalized medicine by providing cutting-edge technology for mCRC testing across MEA countries, ensuring timely and accurate diagnostics for patients.
Ramsey Morad, SVP & Head MEAR at Merck, echoed this sentiment, highlighting Merck’s dedication to enhancing patient care in the MEA region. Collaborating with Biocartis allows Merck to address the crucial need for improved access to RAS biomarker testing, especially in areas where such testing is lacking. Leveraging Biocartis’ RAS-testing platform enables oncologists to swiftly determine biomarker status, facilitating prompt treatment decisions for mCRC patients.
The partnership between Biocartis and Merck signifies a concerted effort to overcome healthcare challenges in the MEA region and ensure that patients receive optimal treatment. By combining Biocartis’ innovative technology with Merck’s commitment to patient care, the collaboration aims to make a meaningful impact on cancer management in the region.