Head-hunter Katie Davis is consistently keeping up to date with the latest news within the biotech industry, whether that be funding news, acquisitions, spin outs and expansions, legal updates, layoffs and restructuring, collaborations or general product updates. In this blog, we explore the latest updates throughout the month of August. You can subscribe to Katies biotech funding updates over on LinkedIn to keep up to date with the ever-growing biotech market.
Acquisitions, spin outs and expansions
Vizgen, a high-resolution spatial transcriptomics startup, and Ultivue, a multiplex proteomic spatial tissue profiling firm, announced that they will merge. Rob Carson, formerly CEO of Ultivue, will become the CEO and president of the newly combined Vizgen and Terry Lo, who served as Vizgen’s CEO starting in 2020 will continue to serve as a member of the board of directors.
Eurofins Scientific announced that it has agreed to acquire Synlab’s clinical diagnostics operations in Spain for an undisclosed amount.
LabGenomics USA announced that it has acquired Integrated Molecular Diagnostics for an undisclosed amount. The deal brings the number of LabGenomics USA’s CLIA-certified laboratories in the US to four.
Trinity Biotech is acquiring prostate cancer test developer EpiCapture Limited for $3 million and up to $500,000 in additional milestone-based payments in a deal that will help Trinity enter the oncology diagnostics market.
Bruker has acquired Munich-based molecular interactions analysis company Dynamic Biosensors for an undisclosed amount. The acquisition will bolster Bruker’s its biophysical portfolio for the analysis of molecular interactions and kinetics.
Twist Bioscience has entered into a royalty purchase agreement with Xoma Royalty. Under the terms of the deal, Xoma will provide Twist an upfront payment of $15 million in cash in exchange for the right to receive half of the future potential milestone and royalty payments resulting from Twist’s existing antibody discovery and biopharma services collaborations.
Curiox Biosystems opens co-working lab at Kadans Science Partner’s London Innovation Centre
SPT Labtech and ICE Bioscience have announced the launch of a joint laboratory in China to drive innovation in intelligent drug screening and life sciences automation. This strategic partnership combines the strengths of both companies to drive progress in drug discovery and development.
Legal updates
Bruker said that the European Unified Patent Court (UPC) has ruled in favour of its Nanostring business in its patent dispute with 10x Genomics, invalidating 10x’s European Patent No. 2794928B1.
CareDx said that the US Department of Justice concluded its investigation into the company’s business practices, having found no wrongdoing and declining to take further action.
Foresight Diagnostics founders Maximilian Diehn and Arash Ash Alizadeh, as individuals, said in a court document filed in the US District Court for the Northern District of California that the claims made by Roche in a lawsuit concerning trade secrets are meritless and untimely.
Ludwig Enterprisesfiles provisional patent for revolutionary cancer screening algorithm
Collaborations and partnerships
Akoya Biosciences announced that the company’s PhenoCycler® Fusion and PhenoImager® HT spatial proteomics platforms will be used to analyze tissue samples as part of the MANIFEST (Multiomic Analysis of Immunotherapy Features Evidencing Success and Toxicity) program.
The Francis Crick Institute and the Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Truston announced the formation of a new consortium that will conduct research to better understand how cancer patients respond to immunotherapies, the side effects they experience, and how readily they can access these treatments in the UK.
Fulgent Genetics has been awarded a five-year contract by the US Department of Veterans Affairs to provide hereditary cancer, pharmacogenetic, and other genetic testing to veterans. The award provides for up to $99 million over five years.
MGI Tech & OncoDNA collaborate to make the firm’s OncoDeep cancer sequencing kits compatible with MGI’s DNBSeq sequencers.
ADx NeuroSciences & Alamar Biosciences partner on the development of customized blood-based assays for clinical biomarker analysis.
Count Me In & Genome Medical Team have partnered to offer genetic services to patients participating in two rare cancer research projects.
TGen & Soteria Precision Medicine Foundation partner on cancer testing for members of the US military’s special operations forces.
PredxBio announced a collaboration with University of Queensland researcher Arutha Kulasinghe aimed at developing a spatial-biomarker-based companion diagnostic for immunotherapy response prediction.
4baseCare & Innovate Life Sciences partner to bring cancer genomics testing services to Dubai
Quest Diagnostics wins CDC contracts to support testing and lab readiness for avian influenza and Oropouche viruses.
Dovetail Genomics & CareDx have partnered on HLA genotyping for organ and stem cell transplant matching.
Nucleome Therapeutics entered into a research collaboration with Johnson & Johnson to study genetic associations linked to autoimmune diseases.
Avacta Therapeutics & Tempus partner to advance FAP-based peptide drug conjugates
InformedDNA has struck a deal to offer Phenomix Sciences’ MyPhenome genetic obesity test to its customers
Pillar Biosciences said that more of its OncoReveal next-generation sequencing panels will be offered by Illumina in an expansion of the companies’ existing partnership.
BostonGene & Sarah Cannon Research Institute collaborate to integrate molecular testing and informatics platforms into Phase I clinical studies at SCRI trial sites.
RTI International (RTI) & Codetta Bio partner for life sciences research. The collaboration includes an equity investment by RTI in Codetta Bio, which allows the latter to scale operations and further develop its digital PCR technology.
Myriad Genetics entered a collaboration with Flatiron Health that will make its MyRisk hereditary cancer test available for physicians to order through Flatiron’s cloud-based electronic medical record system OncoEMR.
MyOme & Broad Clinical Labs are supporting nonprofit Southern Research for a program called Catalyst that will provide genetic testing for personalized health risk assessments free of charge to patients in Alabama.
PacBio Onso™ short read sequencing instrument joins 10x Genomics compatible partner program
PacBio & National Cancer Center of Singapore collaborate to study the genomics of prevalent cancers in Asia.
Delve Bio has partnered with Broad Clinical Labs to improve access to metagenomic sequencing for patients with neurological infections.
Myriad Genetics announced five research collaborations to study the use of the company’s Precise MRD assay in breast cancer minimal residual disease monitoring.
LGC Clinical Diagnostics & AccuGenomics partner to jointly develop quality control materials for NGS tests.
Velsera &Diagnóstica Longwood partner to accelerate the adoption of sequencing-based precision medicine in Spain and Portugal.
Next Gen Diagnostics & Shionogi collaborate to develop sequencing-based models for predicting microbial susceptibility to cefiderocol.
Codexis has inked a nonexclusive commercial and manufacturing license agreement for enzymes in its life science portfolio with Alphazyme, a unit of Maravai LifeSciences.
Owkin & AstraZeneca partner to develop an AI-based prescreening tool for gBRCA mutations in breast cancer.
Seegene & Werfen partner to bring syndromic RT-PCR testing tech to Spain
Zymo Research & BluMaiden Biosciences partner to provide clinical trial analytics and reporting services based on the human microbiome to pharmaceutical companies.
Tempus AI strikes cancer drug research deal with JW Pharmaceutical
Sapient Bioanalytics has partnered with Rancho Biosciences to expand and refine its multiomics database.
Caris Life Sciences & ECOG-ACRIN Cancer Research Group partner to analyze breast tumour samples from landmark TAILORx study
Sciex announced a pair of comarketing deals with sample separation firms IonOpticks and Evosep.
Telo Genomics expands its strategic collaboration with Mayo Clinic
Sapio Sciences expands collaboration with AWS to advance science-aware AI vision
Product updates
Universal Sequencing Technology announced the launch of TELL-Meta software pipeline for metagenomics applications using TELL-Seq linked read technology.
Ionpath has launched MIBIplus, a spatial proteomics service that uses MIBI™ technology to analyze dozens of proteins with high sensitivity and subcellular resolution. The human immuno-oncology panel detects over 40 cell types in one scan, revealing mechanisms affecting cancer progression and drug response.
Bruker released the OptoVolt™ module to further expand the advanced neuroscience research capabilities on Bruker’s Ultima multiphoton microscope platform.
CD Genomicshas recently launched its comprehensive small RNA sequencing services, designed to provide researchers with powerful tools to explore gene regulation and cellular functions.
GeneCentric Therapeutics launches EXpressCT liquid biopsy platform that allows the value of tissue RNA expression and epigenomics to be realized in liquid biopsy.
CD Genomics has recently launched its comprehensive small RNA sequencing services, designed to provide researchers with powerful tools to explore gene regulation and cellular functions.
SeqOne introduces DiagAI Score, an AI-powered variant ranking system streamlining genomic data interpretation.
PacBio introduced SPRQ, an upgraded sequencing chemistry for the Revio™ system, reducing DNA input needs by 4x to 500ng per sample. This improvement supports more sample types for HiFi sequencing.
Charles River Labs launched the Retrogenix® Non-Human Protein Library. The non-human protein library helps biopharmaceutical clients assess off-target binding to a non-human proteome to de-risk in vivo studies and aid in non-human species selection.
NewBiologix launches Xcell™ to accelerate, optimize, and scale gene and cell therapy production
Geneyx and Ocean Genomics have launched the SVDuo software, now available on Geneyx Analysis and integrated with Ocean’s TxomeAI platform. SVDuo combines DNA and RNA analysis to enhance genomic variant detection, advancing disease diagnosis and supporting biomarker and drug target discovery.
Leica Microsystems has introduced SpectraPlex, a high-multiplex imaging product on the Stellaris confocal platform for 3D spatial phenotyping. It captures over 15 markers simultaneously and includes an offline tool for designing experiments and optimizing dye combinations.
Inocras has launched MRDVision, a minimal residual disease test that combines the firm’s whole-genome sequencing cancer profiling bioinformatics platform, CancerVision, with Ultima Genomics’ ppmSeq sequencing technology for analyzing circulating tumor DNA from blood.
Creative Proteomics launches innovative Acylcarnitine Analysis Service which have been designed to drive advances in metabolic research
Twist Bioscience has launched its FlexPrep Ultra-High Throughput Library Preparation Kits, designed to accelerate the adoption of next-generation sequencing by microarray users in population and agricultural genomics.
DNAStar has released Lasergene 18, an update to its Lasergene software package. The new version includes an update to GenVision Pro, a genome browser, that can now visualize and analyze genomic data across multiple samples
Becton Dickinsonhas launched the BD Omics-One XT WTA Assay whole-transcriptome amplification kit for automated library preparation in single-cell discovery studies. The robotics-ready kit runs on the Hamilton Microlab NGS STAR automated liquid handling platform.
Sciex has introduced the ZenoTOF 7600+ mass spectrometer, featuring scanning speeds up to 640 Hz, electron activated dissociation, and the ZT Scan DIA method, which integrates DDA, DIA, and targeted acquisition in one workflow.
Parse Biosciences has launched its GigaLab, a service offering for large-scale single-cell projects. GigaLab provides Parse’s Evercode single-cell technology for projects scaling to 10 million cells or more, with a current capacity of 2.5 billion cells per year.
Qiagen’s Digital Insights businesshas launched Pharmacogenomic Insights (PGXI), a knowledgebase designed to help scientific and translational researchers better understand how an individual’s genetic make-up influences their response to medications.
Qiagen has launched two QiaSymphony kits for extracting ccfDNA from up to 10 ml samples: the DSP Circulating DNA Kit (96) and DSP Circulating DNA Maxi Kit (192), both CE-IVDR and FDA compliant for in vitro diagnostics.
Inagene Diagnosticshas launched its Cardiovascular Health Test in Canada. The new pharmacogenetic test uses a simple cheek swab and provides a pharmacogenetic analysis for 49 medications, such as clopidogrel, warfarin, and various statins, and more than 80 gene variants.
Proteintech Genomics has launched the MultiPro Human Discovery Panel for single-cell multiomics, allowing researchers to profile 325 proteins alongside whole-transcriptome analysis in single cells. Built on 10x Genomics’ Chromium Single Cell Gene Expression Flex chemistry, the panel enables profiling of both intracellular and surface proteins.
Breakthrough Genomics has introduced an updated version of its automated genome reader, Virtual Geneticist. The free platform features a streamlined interface where users can input clinical data and genomic information to receive a genomic interpretation report and rare disease diagnosis within minutes.
MagBio Genomics has launched the SFD-10HT kit for separating long DNA fragments from shorter ones in a sample. Using a buffer and paramagnetic beads, the kit binds DNA fragments 10 kb or larger, supporting long-read sequencing prep for unsheared DNA, sheared DNA, and DNA libraries.
Golden Helix’s updated VarSeq 2.6.2 software enhances pharmacogenomics capabilities with a CYP2D6 star allele caller, CypCall, and supports integration and reporting of HLA gene star alleles. It also annotates FDA-defined alleles, drugs, and recommendations, and offers improved compound variant effect analysis, including variant phasing.
NeoGenomics has introduced AML Express, a rapid NGS assay for genetic profiling in acute myeloid leukemia, with a 3-4 day turnaround. The panel covers clinically relevant AML genes, assessing DNA and RNA alterations. It aligns with guidelines from the European LeukemiaNet, NCCN, and WHO for hematologic cancers.
Curio Bioscience has launched Trekker, a single-cell spatial mapping kit that transforms genomics data into tissue-specific spatial information. The kit enables researchers to capture the spatial context of cell populations in a simple, one-hour workflow without the need for specialized equipment or personnel.
SeqWell has launched the LongPlex Long Fragment Multiplexing kit for a plate-based DNA fragmentation and sample indexing workflow, to be used in conjunction with Pacific Biosciences’ SMRTbell 3.0 library preparation.
Sphere Fluidicshas launched Cyto-Mine Chroma, the second generation of its flagship Cyto-Mine platform. The platform uses picodroplet technology to encapsulate single cells, assess cellular function, and isolate target cells for downstream expansion or analysis.
Children’s Mercy Kansas Cityhas launched the Kiddose PGx test, making it the first pediatric hospital in Missouri to offer in-house pharmacogenetic testing.
Genomenon has added curated variants for American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) secondary findings genes to its Mastermind Professional Edition software platform.
LGC Clinical Diagnostics has launched Seraseq ctDNA prostate reference materials, which include various mutation types such as SNVs, indels, duplications, translocations, and copy number variants. The Seraseq ctDNA Prostate Mix is available in wildtype or with 0.5% or 1% variant allele frequencies.
FDA clears Qiagen QiaStat-Dx respiratory mini panel that detects influenza A and B, respiratory syncytial virus, SARS-CoV-2, and human rhinovirus.
Becton Dickinson gets Health Canada Approval for HPV Test with self-collected samples
Devyser’s Fetal Abnormality Test Nabs China Approval
NeoGenomics wins New York State approval for solid tumour, lung cancer NGS tests
WHO approves Roche rtPCR-based Mpox assay
FDA approves Thermo Fisher’s Oncomine Dx Target Test as CDx for Servier’s Voranigo Brain Cancer Drug
Cofactor Genomics’ Immunotherapy Response Test Nabs Medicare Coverage
Yourgene Health’s Cystic Fibrosis Assay receives IVDR certification
Foundation Medicine’s FoundationOne Liquid CDx assay has received FDA approval for use as a companion diagnostic with Genetech’s Itovebi (inavolisib) in combination with Pfizer’s Ibrance (palbociclib) and fulvestrant for patients with breast cancer.
Burning Rock & Dizal get Chinese approval a NGS-based companion diagnostic for the lung cancer drug sunvozertinib.
Invivoscribe’s LeukoStrat CDx FLT3 Mutation Assay gets CE Mark & EMA Approval
Exact Sciences Nabs FDA Approval for Cologuard Plus Assay
WHO approves Abbott’s Alinity M MPXV assay
Revvity gets CE mark for PCR test used to guide Alzheimer’s therapy
Geneoscopy gets lab permit from New York State Department of Health. Geneoscopy can now provide its services in all 50 US states and the District of Columbia.
World Health Organization adds Cepheid’ Mpox Tests to Emergency-Use List
Azenta obtains regulatory approval for clinical long-read whole genome sequencing test
Foundation Medicine FoundationOne Liquid CDx assay has received FDA approval for use as a companion diagnostic with Genetech’s Itovebi (inavolisib) in combination with Pfizer’s Ibrance (palbociclib) and fulvestrant for patients with breast cancer.
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