NEW YORK ─ RNA-based diagnostics firm GeneCentric Therapeutics announced Tuesday a new strategic collaboration with Laboratory Corporation of America to develop and commercialize RNA-based signatures for diagnosing cancer.
Durham, North Carolina-based GeneCentric will develop the signatures in collaboration with Labcorp Drug Development, with tests produced through the project deployed to major academic and community cancer centers through Labcorp Diagnostics.
The companies will use retrospective analyses of Burlington, North Carolina-based Labcorp's de-identified clinical and genomic data and GeneCentric's pharmaceutical and biotechnology partnerships.
The arrangement builds on a previous relationship between the two firms. GeneCentric is eligible to earn milestone payments through the deal, and Labcorp has made an upfront investment in the company.
"Labcorp has been a great partner as GeneCentric pioneered RNA-based gene signature technology and diagnostics to where they are today," Michael Milburn, GeneCentric president and CEO, said in a statement. "They have an established track record of innovation in the precision medicine space with their extensive menu of companion and complementary diagnostic tests, as well as a shared vision for the promise of RNA signatures as the next generation of cancer diagnostics. This expanded collaboration will be instrumental in helping us commercialize our novel, RNA-based diagnostics."
"Our latest strategic collaboration with GeneCentric will draw upon their industry-leading RNA-based signatures and help facilitate the creation of better tools for oncology diagnostics, drug development and patient care," said Steven Anderson, senior vice president and chief scientific officer at Labcorp Drug Development. "The new diagnostics developed through this arrangement will further our goal of enabling physicians to improve outcomes by tailoring treatment options based on precision medicine."