Business in Brief

A PCR-based test for determining microsatellite instability (MSI) status in solid tumors has received the CE mark as a new in vitro diagnostic medical device. OncoMate™ MSI provides a DNA-based MSI reading complementary to a standard MMR immunohistochemistry panel, which can be used to predict response to immuno-oncology therapies (1).

Quantum Leap Healthcare Collaborative has selected Byondis B.V.’s investigational antibody-drug conjugate, SYD985, in its ongoing I-SPY 2 TRIAL™ for neoadjuvant breast cancer treatment. The trial aims to rapidly screen and identify promising treatments in specific subgroups of women with newly diagnosed, high-risk, and locally advanced cancer (2).

A new type of predictive test for osteoporosis provides early insights into the bone mineral balance of the human body using a urine or blood sample. In a study of 100 women, the OsteoTest predicted fractures caused by bone atrophy more accurately and less invasively than current X-ray-based methods (3).

Beckman Coulter’s Access SARS-CoV-2 IgG assay has received Emergency Use Authorization from the US Food and Drug Administration. The assay, which is in over 400 hospitals, clinics, and diagnostic laboratories in the US, will now be distributed worldwide – and the company says it can produce over 30 million tests every month (4).

An analysis of 929 genomes from patients who responded poorly to COVID-19 has revealed 68 genes associated with severe disease. Researchers hope the genes – nine of which are already targets of drugs that have reached at least Phase I clinical trials – will inform the development of biomarker-driven tests and new therapeutic strategies (5).

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References

1. Promega (2020). Available at: https://bit.ly/2DzIMHi.
2. Byondis (2020). Available at: https://bit.ly/3iTRVdY.
3. Osteolabs (2020). Available at: https://bit.ly/2OgIPK7.
4. Beckman Coulter (2020). Available at: https://prn.to/2C4zSkF.
5. S Ghafouri-Fard et al., 128, 110296 (2020). PMID: 32480226.

About the Author(s)

Luke Turner

While completing my undergraduate degree in Biology, I soon discovered that my passion and strength was for writing about science rather than working in the lab. My master’s degree in Science Communication allowed me to develop my science writing skills and I was lucky enough to come to Texere Publishing straight from University. Here I am given the opportunity to write about cutting edge research and engage with leading scientists, while also being part of a fantastic team!

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