SAN FRANCISCO, and CAMBRIDGE, Mass., March
16, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Invitae Corporation (NYSE:
NVTA) and KEW, Inc. today announced a collaboration to develop
comprehensive genomic profiling solutions for sequencing tumor DNA
on Invitae's next generation sequencing (NGS) platform. By adding
KEW's somatic mutation detection capabilities to Invitae's
extensive portfolio of diagnostic genetic testing panels for
hereditary cancers, Invitae will be able to help clinicians guide
their patients from initial cancer diagnosis through treatment and
monitoring.
The genetics of both a patient and tumor play an important role
in making cancer treatment decisions and informing drug
development. Germline testing from Invitae assesses inherited
genetic changes that increase the risk of developing certain
cancers. Somatic testing from KEW analyzes acquired alterations in
DNA within a tumor that can drive its growth. Together, the tests
have the potential to provide detailed genetic information on each
patient's unique situation.
KEW's CANCERPLEX® sequencing assay for genomic profiling of
tumors helps a clinician better understand the specifics of a
patient's cancer by:
- Optimizing detection of somatic mutations in 435
cancer-associated genes
- Identifying clinically-actionable mutations not found by
hot-spot testing
- Determining accurate tumor mutation burden and microsatellite
instability for identifying likely responders to immune checkpoint
inhibitors.
Invitae will fund the collaborative development efforts and the
build-out of its production capabilities to integrate KEW's
technology into its platform and workflow. In addition to KEW's
CANCERPLEX® sequencing assay, Invitae gains access to KEW's
proprietary bioinformatics software providing robust,
high-performance analytics for sequence alignment and variant
calling as well as state-of-the-art software for curating genomic
mutations and biomarkers.
"With an industry-leading diagnostic cancer offering now nearly
twice as large as that of our nearest competitors available at a
fraction of the cost, we are seeing increased demand from existing
clients and potential partners to apply the same formula to somatic
testing to expand access and increase utility in cancer care and
research," commented Sean George,
Invitae's chief executive officer. "Broadening our ability to
capture genetic information on both tumor biology and a patient's
inherited risk of disease while maintaining our commitment to
lowering cost enhances Invitae's ability to expand the market and
enable affordable, high-quality precision care for more
patients."
"Comprehensive genomic profiling is emerging as the gold
standard for matching the right patient with the right drug at the
right time, but cost and accessibility continue to limit its
potential and prevent most patients from benefiting from these
technological advancements," said Jerry
Williamson, president and chief executive officer of KEW,
Inc. "We share Invitae's commitment to making somatic testing an
integral part of cancer care and believe that requires not only
delivery of high-quality data sets but also world-class medical
interpretation at scale. State-of-the-art bioinformatics has
enabled Invitae to build out a uniquely scalable offering well
suited to rapid integration with our proprietary algorithms for
optimal and accurate genomic variant detection and curated
knowledge base. We believe aligning these capabilities on a single
platform will provide the basis for making molecular
characterization the standard of care."
Invitae offers the broadest hereditary oncology testing menu
available. Testing of these genes may help improve care by
informing screening and prevention strategies, early diagnosis, and
guiding treatment choices to increase the chances of successful
treatment and survival. Among Invitae's hereditary cancer
panels are:
- Guidelines-based panels for breast, prostate, gynecologic, and
colorectal cancers;
- Breast cancer STAT panels to inform surgical and medical
management decisions, which provide results in 5–12 calendar days
(7 days on average) from sample receipt. These panels include the
option to re-requisition additional genes if needed within 90 days
of receiving the STAT report; and
- Other tests for hereditary risk of brain, breast and
gynecologic, endocrine, gastrointestinal, genitourinary,
hematologic, pediatric, and skin cancers.
Cancer includes many different risk factors, with genetics
playing a role in both development and progression of the disease.
Approximately 5% to 10% of all cancers are hereditary. An
additional 10% to 30% of cancer patients have a close family member
who also had cancer, suggesting a familial link even though no
specific hereditary link is found. A large portion of cancer
patients have what's called sporadic cancer, meaning the cancer
does not seem connected to inherited genetic traits, or may be the
result of many different factors. In addition to playing a role in
diagnosing and treating an individual with cancer, genetic
information can be used to help inform health decisions for that
person's family members.
About KEW, Inc.
KEW, Inc. is a privately-held comprehensive genomic profiling
company with headquarters in Cambridge,
MA, dedicated to revolutionizing cancer care by providing
therapeutic options based on an individual patient's tumor genomic
profile. CANCERPLEX® is KEW's flagship clinical product family for
sequencing and identifying applicable targeted therapies and
clinical trials. The Company's Powered-by-KEW℠ solutions offer
expanded access to CANCERPLEX in partnership with local molecular
pathology laboratories including qualified reagents, proprietary
bioinformatics, a custom curated knowledge database, and
comprehensive clinical reporting.
About Invitae
Invitae Corporation (NYSE: NVTA) is bringing comprehensive
genetic information into mainstream medical practice to improve the
quality of healthcare for billions of people. As one of the fastest
growing genetic information company, Invitae is advancing the broad
potential of genetics, helping to expand its use across the
healthcare continuum. The company provides genetic information
services for all stages of life – from preconception screening, to
newborn diagnosis, to inherited disease screening, to proactive
health management – and a unique, rapidly expanding network of
patients, hospital systems, and advocacy partners that is moving
genetics from one-dimensional testing to complex information
management. For more information visit www.invitae.com, or follow
us on Twitter, Facebook or LinkedIn.
Invitae Corporation Safe Harbor Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements within
the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of
1995, including statements relating to the benefits of adding KEW's
somatic detection capabilities to the company's portfolio of
diagnostic genetic testing panels, including providing a basis for
making molecular characterization the standard of care; and that
KEW's offering is well-suited to rapid integration with Invitae's
custom screening and interpretation solutions. Forward-looking
statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause
actual results to differ materially, and reported results should
not be considered as an indication of future performance. These
risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: the
company's ability to develop and commercialize new tests and expand
into new markets; the company's ability to successfully offer KEW's
testing and demand for such tests; the company's ability to
continue to lower costs and expand the market for affordable,
high-quality testing for more patients; the risk that the company
may not obtain or maintain sufficient levels of reimbursement for
its tests; the company's ability to compete; the company's
inability to raise additional capital on acceptable terms; the
company's history of losses; risks associated with the company's
ability to use rapidly changing genetic data to interpret test
results accurately, consistently, and quickly; risks associated
with the company's limited experience with respect to acquisitions;
demand for the company's tests; the company's failure to manage
growth effectively; the company's need to scale its infrastructure
in advance of demand for its tests and to increase demand for its
tests; security breaches, loss of data and other disruptions; laws
and regulations applicable to the company's business; and the other
risks set forth in the company's filings with the Securities and
Exchange Commission, including the risks set forth in the company's
Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017. These forward-looking
statements speak only as of the date hereof, and Invitae
Corporation disclaims any obligation to update these
forward-looking statements.
Contact:
Kate McNeil
ir@invitae.com
347-204-4226
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SOURCE Invitae Corporation