NEW YORK (GenomeWeb) – Pacific Biosciences said this week that Annoroad, a Beijing-based genomics firm, has purchased 10 of its Sequel instruments. Annoroad provides both clinical NGS testing and research sequencing services. PacBio said that Annoroad would use the Sequel instruments to contribute to the Annoroad Typical Chinese Genomes Database initiative and incorporate the technology into its service offerings.
Interpace Diagnostics Group announced this week that it has entered into an agreement with Acupath Laboratories through which Acupath will sell Interpace's ThyGenX and ThyraMIR tests. ThyGenX uses next-generation sequencing to identify more than 100 genetic alterations associated with papillary and follicular thyroid carcinomas. ThyraMIR is a microRNA gene expression classifier. The combination of both tests can improve risk stratification and surgical decision-making when standard cytopathology does not provide a clear diagnosis for the presence of cancer, according to Interpace. Acupath will offer the tests as part of a menu of diagnostics for endocrinologists, endocrine surgeons, and other physicians focused on the diagnosis and treatment of thyroid cancer. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Metabolon's joint metabolomics laboratory with Zhejiang Dian Diagnostics opened this week in HangZhou, China. Hangzhou Calibra Diagnostics, a majority-owned subsidiary of Zhejiang Dian, will exclusively offer Metabolon's metabolomics services and technology in China. Metabolon and Zhejiang Dian entered a joint laboratory licensing agreement in February 2017.
CareDx said this week that it has completed the conversion of the full amount outstanding under the notes issued to JGB into CareDx common stock. During March 2018, the conversion of the full $26.3 million outstanding under the notes has resulted in the issuance of approximately 6.1 million shares of CareDx common stock to JGB. Following the conversion, there are no amounts outstanding to JGB, the firm said. Further, $9.4 million of the company's cash, which was restricted under the agreement with JGB, will become available for use. CareDx intends to consolidate its remaining $11.4 million debt obligation to Danske Bank and the Allenex former majority shareholders into one single term loan with Perceptive Advisors, which is scheduled to fund on April 13, whereupon the company can draw an initial tranche of either $15 million or $25 million.
QuantuMDx said this week that it has been awarded ISO 13485:2016 certification. The company is currently developing the Q-POC point-of-care, portable molecular diagnostic analyzer for diagnosing a range of infectious diseases in less than 20 minutes, including tuberculosis, chlamydia, gonorrhea, and human papillomavirus.
Thermo Fisher Scientific announced this week that it was awarded the NF Validation mark by AFNOR Certification for its RapidFinder Salmonella Multiplex PCR Workflow. The PCR-based test can be used by poultry producers to simultaneously screen samples for Salmonella species, Typhimurium, and Enteritidis, the company said.
In Brief This Week is a selection of news items that may be of interest to our readers but had not previously appeared on the GenomeWeb site.