Bayer and Thermo Fisher Scientific announced a significant partnership to collaborate on the development of next-generation sequencing-based companion diagnostic (CDx) assays for Bayer’s precision cancer therapies. This strategic alliance aims to enhance the identification of patients who could benefit from Bayer’s therapies by providing decentralized genomic testing with rapid turnaround times.
The financial details of the partnership were not disclosed by either company. However, the joint effort will focus on creating CDx tests that leverage Thermo Fisher’s Oncomine Dx Express Test technology, which operates on the Ion Torrent Genexus Dx sequencing system. One of the key promises of this technology is its ability to provide results from tumor or liquid biopsy samples within a mere 24 hours.
Garret Hampton, the president of clinical next-generation sequencing and oncology at Thermo Fisher, emphasized the significance of combining their experience in developing distributable CDx tests with the remarkable turnaround time facilitated by the Genexus Dx System. This collaboration aims to empower clinical teams with quick results, enabling better comprehension of the efficacy of the therapies offered by Bayer. Hampton also highlighted the potential of this partnership to ensure eligible patients are swiftly matched with the appropriate treatment.
It’s worth noting that both the Genexus Dx sequencer and the Oncomine Dx Express Test hold CE-IVD certification, restricting their availability to countries that recognize the CE mark. This certification underscores the commitment to meeting regulatory standards in regions where the technology is deployed.
This partnership is not the first of its kind for Thermo Fisher, as they have previously entered into similar agreements, such as the collaboration with AstraZeneca for the development of a test targeting the non-small cell lung cancer drug Tagrisso (osimertinib).