Thermo Fisher Scientific : Sirona Dx Expands Next Generation Sequencing Services to Include Oncomine Focus Assay for Pharmaceutical Clients

VANCOUVER, Wash. & CARLSBAD, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sirona Dx, a leader in high complexity genomics and proteomics services, today announced it has adopted Thermo Fisher Scientific 's Oncomine Focus Assay to run on the Ion PGM System and will expand its drug development and next generation sequencing (NGS) services offered to pharmaceutical and clinical research clients.

Sirona Dx recognizes that pharmaceutical companies require access to genomic expertise as well as multiple platforms and technologies to support oncology clinical research studies. After its comprehensive evaluation and validation, Sirona Dx chose to complement its current service offerings with the Oncomine Focus Assay, which includes 52 solid tumor genes, many associated with current oncology therapies and published evidence.

'We are in a revolutionary time in the world of cancer research. The ability to understand the specific genomic makeup of a tumor and have that information drive drug development and eventually treatment is empowering,' said Nasry Yassa, Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer of Sirona Dx. 'The Oncomine Focus Assay represents the best of what is available in terms of content and technology.'

The assay's content is driven by the Oncomine Knowledgebase, the world's largest curated compendium of cancer genomic information and confirmed with industry-leading pharmaceutical companies, to help enable a more unified approach to companion diagnostic and drug development. It is powered by proven Ion AmpliSeq technology to enable detection of single nucleotide somatic changes, inversions, insertions and deletions, as well as gene fusions and copy number variations using as little as 10ng of formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) DNA and RNA in a single standardized sequencing assay and data analysis workflow.

'We differentiate ourselves by securing early access to advanced technologies that align with pharma requirements in support of drug development programs,' said Charles J. Sailey, MD, MS, FCAP, FASCP, Chief Medical Officer of Sirona Dx. 'We are very encouraged by the ability of the Oncomine Focus Assay to enable routine analysis of FFPE samples. To further accelerate drug development programs, we're investigating Ion Torrent solutions for liquid biopsies and circulating tumor cells with plans to offer additional services in the future.'

'Pharmaceutical companies are in the midst of a paradigm shift in their drug development strategy, which is leading to a pronounced need for targeted NGS tools that enable precision and efficiency,' said Joydeep Goswami, president of clinical next generation sequencing at Thermo Fisher Scientific. 'We are proud that Sirona Dx has joined the growing list of partners who have adopted our Oncomine technology in an effort to help the pharma industry develop new therapeutics.'

About Sirona Dx
Sirona Dx was founded with a strong dedication and focus to accelerate the pace of targeted therapy development to improve outcomes for cancer patients. The founders created a technology agnostic CRO to offer specialized high complexity genomics and proteomics services. Sirona Dx is keen to play a key role in the pharmaceutical companies' drug development programs and their efforts in transforming patient lives. The Sirona Dx laboratory operates out of a 35,000 sq. ft. CLIA and CAP accredited facility in Vancouver, WA with its strategic partner, Molecular Testing Labs (MTL).

About Thermo Fisher Scientific
Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. is the world leader in serving science, with revenues of $17 billion and more than 50,000 employees in 50 countries. Our mission is to enable our customers to make the world healthier, cleaner and safer. We help our customers accelerate life sciences research, solve complex analytical challenges, improve patient diagnostics and increase laboratory productivity. Through our premier brands - Thermo Scientific, Applied Biosystems, Invitrogen, Fisher Scientific and Unity Lab Services - we offer an unmatched combination of innovative technologies, purchasing convenience and comprehensive support. For more information, please visit www.thermofisher.com.