Biocartis has signed a collaboration agreement with Merck for the development and commercialisation of a new liquid biopsy RAS biomarker test for patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC)
The test will be developed on Idylla, Biocartis' fully automated sample-to-result PCR-based (polymerase chain reaction) molecular diagnostics system.
The new test aims to support clinical practice in performing integrated liquid biopsy RAS biomarker tests, independently of the laboratories' volume of testing or level of expertise according to Biocartis.
Understanding mCRC patients' individual biomarker status is key to support timely treatment decision-making the company said.
Rehan Verjee, chief marketing and strategy officer of Merck's biopharma business, said: "Through this collaboration, our desire is to have more mCRC patients gain access to liquid biopsy RAS testing,
“The Biocartis Idylla technology will be complementary to other technology previously developed and will allow for liquid biopsy RAS offerings to a wide range of lab segments, regardless of size and expertise levels."
The Idylla system is designed to offer real-time, reliable and sensitive molecular diagnostic tests and according to Biocartis will be designed to detect an extended panel of RAS mutations using two cartridges.
The new test will also provide a BRAF V600 mutation analysis directly integrated with the Idylla RAS test to allow clinicians to evaluate BRAF and RAS mutation status simultaneously.
The test will be designed to require 2ml of blood plasma, less than 2 minutes of hands-on time and a turnaround time of approximately 2 hours said Biocartis.
Rudi Pauwels, CEO Biocartis, said: "Complex diagnostic laboratory infrastructure and specialised expertise requirements are important barriers when it comes to the implementation of personalised medicine on a global scale.
"We are pleased to partner with Merck, who supports us in putting personalised medicine into daily practice with this collaboration, through the development of rapid and accurate tests on the Idylla system.”