A molecular match: Exactis using Thermo NGS tech to profile patient samples, speed trial matching

02-Apr-2018 - Last updated on 03-Apr-2018 at 21:23 GMT

(Image: Getty/CIPhotos)

Exactis Innovation is standardizing its sequencing labs as it aims to quickly match at-risk cancer patients with clinical trials through its longitudinal, biopsy-led registry.

The non-profit, which focuses on accelerating precision cancer research, will standardize its next-generation sequencing (NGS) based studies on Thermo Fisher Scientific’s Oncomine assays and Ion GeneStudio S5 Series systems.

“As we started looking at a federated hub system of labs we found that there was strong interest by some of our labs in the Ion Torrent platform,” Richard Fajzel, Exactis Innovation CEO told us.

The organization expects to receive up to 2,000 samples annually through its Personalize My Treatment (PMT) program. As part of the program, patients provide access to clinical data, tumor and blood samples, through Exactis’ cancer center network in Canada. Patient’s consent to have data stored in a digital bio-bank and agree to be contacted if found suitable for future clinical studies.

Tumor profiling using Thermo Fisher's Oncomine assays and Ion GeneStudio S5 Series systems aims to expedite clinical trial enrollment. (Image: Thermo Fisher’s Scientific)

“The value of having a standardized platform is the speed with which we can process results,” said Fajzel, adding that it also helps establish consistent processes from one center to another.

Five clinical NGS hubs will perform the sequencing studies and collect data derived from solid tumors, liquid biopsies, and immuno-oncology analyses, according to the company.

“Our mission is to be able to match cancer patients to clinical studies based on their molecular profile,” Fajzel said. “With that, we hope to be able to attract clinical trials and improve the lives of the patients.”

Fajzel told us the organization works closely with the industry and has worked with contract research organization (CROs) in the past. In 2016, Merck contributed $2m to the PMT initiative, following an investment of the same amount in 2014, the year Exactis was founded.

The organization has received additional funding from both the public and private sector, including the Canadian Government Business-Led Networks of Centers of Excellence, and several pharmaceutical, biotech, not-for-profit, and research organizations.