Biocartis Presents the Successful use of Idylla[TM] for the Detection of the BRAF Mutation Status in Tumour Samples at the International AACR Congress (American Association for Cancer Research) in Boston
Switzerland (ots/PRNewswire)
Biocartis also introduces IdyllaTM, the brand name for its innovative and high-quality diagnostic platform (previously codenamed Apollo). IdyllaTM is designed to carry out fast and accurate analysis of a broad range of clinical samples[1]. The platform retains the sensitivity of existing technologies but overcomes, amongst others, the current time-consuming testing process of tumour samples.
Apollo becomes IdyllaTM
IdyllaTM is Biocartis' commercial brand name for the fully integrated molecular diagnostic platform, which analyses clinical samples accurately, fast and easily. It gives short shrift to today's time-consuming molecular testing processes. IdyllaTM will provide a direct access to a wide array of tests in various diagnostic areas. Biocartis is currently developing tests primarily in the field of oncology.
Fast and accurate analysis of tumour samples
In collaboration with the world-renowned American MD Anderson Cancer Center, IdyllaTM was used in a comparative study that included various tumour types, for the presence of the BRAF cancer gene.
Today, Dr Janku from MD Anderson and Biocartis presented the results from this study at the international congress of the American Association for Cancer Research AACR-NCI-EORTC (Molecular Targets and Cancer Therapeutics). At this conference, the latest innovations in cancer diagnosis are presented to a large delegation of cancer experts from both the research and clinical/pharmaceutical world. The study was also selected by AACR as one of three studies presented at the AACR press conference today: http://www.aacr.org/home/public--media/aacr-press-releases.aspx?d=3190.
IdyllaTM simply and rapidly detects mutations and shows a much higher sensitivity as compared to standard diagnostic assays and standard sequencing, thereby eliminating the need for dissection of the tumor region. These technologies are available in highly specialised laboratories, where the process from sample to result can take several weeks, whilst IdyllaTM yields a reportable result in 35-90 minutes, depending on the test.
IdyllaTM and first cancer test on the market in second half of 2014
IdyllaTM and the BRAF test will be marketed by Biocartis. The launch of the platform and the BRAF assay in Europe is expected in the second half of 2014.
About Biocartis (http://www.biocartis.com)
Biocartis aspires to improve quality of life by providing direct access to personalized medicine to patients worldwide. Its goal is to advance medical treatment through the broad implementation of state-of-the-art personalized diagnostic tests performed close to the clinical decision-making point.
Biocartis' innovative research and diagnostic systems feature the detection of molecular components, which are indicative for a specific pathological state. The new systems are highly user-friendly, require less hands-on time and minimize the handling of valuable samples, which is of the utmost importance for tumor biopsies. In addition, Biocartis develops assays with major clinical and compelling health economic value. Oncology is Biocartis' primary focus as it represents one of the areas with the greatest unmet needs for personalized medicine.
Biocartis is a rapidly growing business that currently employs close to 200 people. It has offices in Belgium (close to Brussels) and in Switzerland (Lausanne).
[1] Platform and assays are currently under development. For Research Use Only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures.
Contact:
Contact: Rudi Pauwels, CEO, Phone: +32-15-632-600 (Mechelen) ,
Phone: +41-21-694-04-30 (Lausanne) , nhutsebaut@biocartis.com