Illumina Inc. (NASDAQ: ILMN) has recently forged a partnership with Janssen Research & Development, LLC (Janssen) to advance the development of Illumina's unique molecular residual disease (MRD) assay. This assay, built on whole-genome sequencing (WGS) technology, acts as a multi-cancer research solution designed to identify circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) for a more comprehensive understanding of disease persistence or recurrence post-clinical intervention.

In the field of oncology, MRD testing is gaining recognition as a prognostic tool to predict disease recurrence following treatment. It assists clinicians in evaluating the effectiveness of ongoing interventions and aids in decision-making regarding precision therapy. Notably, MRD testing for solid tumors holds significant potential to enhance the standard of care by addressing the limitations of existing disease-monitoring tools in accurately assessing patient responses to treatment.

Joydeep Goswami, Chief Strategy and Corporate Development Officer, and Chief Financial Officer of Illumina, emphasized the value of their unique MRD technology and the potential of Illumina's whole-genome approach in oncology. The collaboration with Janssen aims to deliver a sensitive, accurate, and easily accessible whole-genome sequencing MRD assay, contributing to advancements in clinical research within the oncology domain.

The Illumina WGS MRD assay, currently in the developmental phase, will focus on detecting ctDNA for MRD assessment in research settings, involving patients previously diagnosed with cancer across various solid tumor indications. Setting itself apart from existing MRD solutions with intricate workflows, Illumina aims to create a cost-effective, highly sensitive, and automated research solution, targeting a turnaround time of five to seven days.

In addition to the collaboration with Janssen, Illumina plans to engage with other pharmaceutical leaders to further develop and broaden the applications of its WGS MRD assay. This collaborative effort demonstrates a commitment to advancing clinical research and improving the utility of this innovative technology in the field of oncology.

 

Source: prnewswire.com

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