AltheaDx Oncology Panel AOP50

AltheaDx has launched AltheaDx Oncology Panel AOP50, a CLIA-validated next-generation sequencing assay designed for multiple drug and companion diagnostic development programs. The assay is based on Thermo Fisher Scientific's Oncomine Focus Assay and uses biomarkers that have been selected using the Oncomine Knowledgebase, the company said in a statement. The AOP50 assay allows concurrent analysis of DNA and RNA from solid tumors, sequencing of 35 hotspot genes, and sequencing of 23 fusion genes in a single workflow on the Ion PGM System. It also enables gene fusion transcript detection and reduces the complexity of performing alternate fusion detection methods such as fluorescence in situ hybridization. Leveraging the low-sample input requirement from formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue for the Ion AmpliSeq technology, AOP50 enables accurate and reliable analysis of sequences from different tumor sample types, including small biopsies and fine needle aspirates.