NEW YORK – Biocept said on Tuesday that it will collaborate with Protean BioDiagnostics to research the ability of Biocept's Target Selector molecular assay to determine EGFR status in non-small cell lung cancer patients.
The research will be conducted in an independent pathology laboratory. Protean BioDiagnostics also expects to validate the analytical performance of a laboratory-developed test based on Biocept's EGFR assay test kit in accordance with the requirements of the College of American Pathologists' validation process.
"Obtaining adequate tissue sample for genomic profiling continues to be a challenge in first-line therapy selection for patients with NSCLC," Protean President and CEO Anthony Magliocco said in a statement. "Target Selector EGFR assays require 50 percent less tumor input sample than most commercial assays, making it a potentially powerful tool in helping qualify more patients for targeted tyrosine kinase inhibitor, or TKI, therapy. This potential advantage is coupled with previous studies demonstrating Target Selector assays' best-in-class low-end limit of detection of mutations in both FFPE and liquid biopsy samples."
Financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed.
Biocept's EGFR and BRAF assay kits have CE IVD marking and are available for research use only in the US. Using the company's Switch-Blocker technology, the kits can be used in combination with a variety of analytical platforms including qPCR, next-generation sequencing, Sanger sequencing, microarrays, and mass spectrometry.
Orlando, Florida-based Protean is developing cancer diagnostics to support precision oncology, including Oncology MAPS, an integrated diagnostic system that includes comprehensive support and access to genetic, molecular, and cancer blood monitoring tests, as well as educational and telemedicine support.