Biocept

Investigators will use Biocept's liquid biopsy tests to detect ALK rearrangements both at baseline and to monitor treatment response and resistance mechanisms.

VWR will act as the exclusive distributor for Biocept's liquid biopsy blood collection tubes everywhere in the world except China.

The liquid biopsy firm ran 1,405 tests in the second quarter and made progress on collecting payment from third-party health plans.

Biocept is also working with the buyer — a Hong Kong-based investment group — to explore strategic opportunities in China.

The company's total revenues were $1.7 million, including $897,000 in commercial testing revenue. Its test volume was up 38 percent.

Biocept's Target Selector liquid biopsy platform is designed to analyze both circulating tumor cell and circulating tumor DNA biomarkers from a blood sample.

OHSU was granted the rights to offer Biocept's Target Selector liquid biopsy testing services in Oregon as part of the deal. 

The company said it expects to net around $8.4 million, which it will use for working capital and general corporate purposes.

Catalyst will use Biocept's liquid biopsy platform to screen for cancer in patients in a clinical study of its rare disease drug Firdapse.

The company said it accessioned 1,175 total samples during the quarter, up from 663 total samples in Q4 2015.