Molecular Dx

Most ctDNA MRD assays require tumor sequencing to identify tumor-derived mutations to facilitate ctDNA detection, requiring tumor and blood. The researchers at MGH and Guardant Health evaluated a plasma-only ctDNA assay integrating genomic and epigenomic cancer signatures to enable tumor-uninformed MRD detection.

The deal comes as Inivata anticipates forthcoming reimbursement decisions for the test and availability in the U.S. market in 2022.

NanoSeq, a new and carefully refined form of duplex sequencing developed at the Wellcome Sanger Institute, is highly accurate and can detect single-cell mutations, which could allow early detection of diseases such as cancer.

Exposure to the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein alone was enough to change baseline gene expression in airway cells in early stage research, suggesting a possible cause for long COVID symptoms.

An algorithm called MMRDetect, designed by University of Cambridge researchers, can detect tumors that have mismatch repair mutations that should make them more vulnerable to treatment with immune checkpoint inhibitors.

The findings provide a better understanding of how structural variants can be detected in an individual’s genome and can help advance how individual risk for some diseases is calculated from genomic data.

In line with national vaccination efforts in the U.S., COVID-19 testing is now moving towards pooled RT-PCR tests, with prompting from the FDA. Increased use of home testing is also being encouraged and evaluated for potential wider rollout by the CDC and NIH, with a view to reducing community transmission.

Sense Biodetection has completed a $50 million Series B financing, with the molecular diagnostics company saying it will use the proceeds to accelerate the launch of its VerosTM COVID-19 test, and further develop a portfolio of instrument-free, rapid molecular tests.

Swiss scientists have developed a computational algorithm known as ‘Tomographer’ that can visualize and map gene expression in organs using tissue measurement and messenger RNA data.

Gregg’s reference to diverse populations by colors “was a serious mistake that caused pain and distress for many, including ACMG leadership,” the ACMG declared in a letter co-signed by its new President Marc S. Williams, M.D., and CEO, Maximilian Muenke, M.D.