NEW YORK (GenomeWeb News) – Advanced Cell Diagnostics today said that it has named Genoptix BioPharma Services as its first partner under its CLIA Certified RNAscope Service Provider program.
ACD's RNAscope is used to identify and validate RNA biomarkers in tissue for research, molecular diagnostic, and companion diagnostic applications. The Hayward, Calif.-based firm said that its pharmaceutical clients have been using the technology in Phase I and II studies, but Phase III clinical testing must be performed in a CLIA environment.
"By partnering with highly qualified CLIA Service Providers, our clients can seamlessly transition validated biomarker to Phase II or Phase III trials," Yuling Luo, president, CEO, and founder of ACD, said in a statement. "Partners like Genoptix ensure our clients will receive world-class service with the highest data quality necessary for clinical implementation."
ACD said that each service provider signed up under the service program will undergo extensive training on the RNAscope technology and will be required to "pass a rigorous certification procedure."
Genoptix BioPharma Services is part of Genoptix, a Carlsbad, Calif.-based personalized diagnostics lab services firm acquired by Novartis in early 2011.