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Signal Genetics, Moffitt Cancer Center Partner on Multiple Myeloma Research

NEW YORK (GenomeWeb) – Signal Genetics today announced it has signed a sponsored research agreement with Moffitt Cancer Center to validate the clinical utility of its MyPRS test in managing patients with multiple myeloma and related diseases.

Under the terms of the agreement, Signal Genetics will run three validation studies with Moffitt scientists, including Kenneth Shain, Melissa Alsina, Rachid Baz, and Taiga Nishihori. Signal will perform MyPRS testing on patient samples to evaluate the test's ability to inform patient management decisions. The firm said that one key metric will be the ability to calculate risk of progression from precursor disorders into symptomatic multiple myeloma. The partners said they will begin their collaborative efforts this year.

"[T]his collaboration has the potential to further validate a 'first in class' decision-making tool based on the genetics of smoldering myeloma and [collectively asymptomatic monoclonal gammopathies], precursor conditions that have been managed suboptimally via the use of outdated clinical metrics," Shain, scientific director of the Moffitt myeloma working group, said in a statement.  "Validation of MyPRS in this setting may eventually have a significant impact on the management of over 3 million patients in the US" diagnosed with multiple myeloma or its precursor conditions.

Signal Genetics CEO Samuel Riccitelli added that the studies could generate "compelling data to support our market expansion plans."

In February, the US Food and Drug Administration granted the My PRS test conditional investigational drug exemption approval for use as a companion diagnostic for a clinical trial to treat high-risk multiple myeloma.

In April, the firm's Little Rock, Arkansas-based laboratory received accreditation from the College of American Pathologists.

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