SAN DIEGO – Biocept, Inc. (Nasdaq: BIOC), a leading provider of molecular diagnostic assays, products and services, will collaborate with Protean BioDiagnostics Inc. to research the ability of Biocept’s Target Selector™ molecular assay to determine EGFR status in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. The research will be conducted in an independent pathology laboratory setting.
Protean BioDiagnostics also expects to validate the analytical performance of a laboratory developed test (LDT) based on Biocept’s EGFR assay test kit in accordance with the requirements of the College of American Pathologists (CAP) validation process.
Biocept’s novel molecular assay kit, available for research-use-only and with CE-IVD mark, enables molecular laboratories around the world to utilize its Target Selector platform to analyze both formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue samples and circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) from biological fluids. Target Selector leverages patented Switch-Blocker technology to enrich specimens for mutations of interest and block DNA amplification from normal cells, requiring less tumor sample and resulting in higher assay sensitivity than most commercial assays. Biocept’s molecular assays have been validated for the detection of frequent oncogenic mutations EGFR, KRAS and BRAF, which are among the most frequently evaluated biomarkers for lung cancer and melanoma.
“We are pleased to collaborate with Biocept to demonstrate the potential of its assay in determining EGFR status,” said Anthony M. Magliocco, MD, President and CEO of Protean BioDiagnostics. “Obtaining adequate tissue sample for genomic profiling continues to be a challenge in first-line therapy selection for patients with NSCLC. Target Selector EGFR assays require 50% less tumor input sample than most commercial assays, making it a potentially powerful tool in helping qualify more patients for targeted tyrosine kinase inhibitor, or TKI, therapy. This potential advantage is coupled with previous studies demonstrating Target Selector assays’ best-in-class low-end limit of detection of mutations in both FFPE and liquid biopsy samples.”
“Protean BioDiagnostics is the ideal partner for this collaboration, as we share a joint commitment to advancing the best possible care for patients with cancer,” said Michael Nall, Biocept President and CEO. “Protean has extensive experience working with some of the world’s leading biotechnology companies. Together, our goal is to demonstrate how Target Selector assays can help physicians create more personalized, responsive treatment plans for their patients.”
About Target Selector™ Molecular Assay Kits
Target Selector molecular assay kits are marketed for research-use-only (RUO) in the U.S. and CE-IVD in the European Union and other CE Mark geographies, offering industry-leading sensitivity for the detection of mutations/variants of interest in both FFPE and ctDNA. Target Selector assays with Switch-Blocker technology can also provide results with smaller DNA inputs (minimum 4.6 ng) than most tissue-based assays, allowing laboratories to get results even with small amounts of tissue. These capabilities should allow laboratories to eliminate macro-dissection of tumor blocks, potentially resulting in major workflow improvements and cost savings.
Target Selector assays can be used in combination with a variety of low-cost analytical platforms including qPCR, Sanger sequencing, microarrays, and mass-spectrometry, in addition to next generation sequencing. Target Selector kits (RUO and CE-IVD) offer high content per assay, which can reduce costs by selectively amplifying multiple mutations/variants in hot-spot regions of interest in a single reaction. All Target Selector assays are quantitative.
BusinessTarget Selector molecular assay kits (RUO and CE-IVD) are currently available for EGFR and BRAF mutations. Additional test kits for other oncogene mutations are planned for launch in the future. For more information on Biocept’s Target Selector molecular assay kits, contact Biocept Customer Service at (888) 332-7729 or [email protected].
About Protean BioDiagnostics
Protean BioDiagnostics Inc is a disruptive biotechnology company developing and commercializing novel cancer diagnostics supporting precision oncology. Protean has created Oncology MAPS™ – a unique and innovative, fully integrated diagnostic system for oncologists. This easy-to-deploy system enables rapid access to precision diagnostics for underserved community-based cancer doctors and their patients wherever they practice. Oncology MAPS™ includes comprehensive support and access to the latest genetic, molecular and cancer blood monitoring tests as well as educational and telemedicine support.
Protean is transforming cancer practice using a big data approach which integrates digital pathology, multi-omics, and artificial intelligence. Protean also provides support for contract research, clinical trials, and novel biomarker development using its CAP-accredited, CLIA-certified laboratories and through its extensive client networks.
Companion diagnostics can be quickly evaluated and deployed leveraging Protean’s extensive laboratory capabilities, expertise, and extensive global research networks.
About Biocept
Biocept, Inc. is a molecular diagnostics company developing and commercializing assays for lung, breast, gastric, colorectal and prostate cancers, and melanoma. The Company uses its proprietary technology to provide physicians with clinically actionable information for treating and monitoring patients diagnosed with cancer. The Company’s patented Target Selector™ molecular diagnostic technology platform captures and analyzes tumor-associated molecular markers in both circulating tumor cells (CTCs) and in circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA). With thousands of tests performed, the platform has demonstrated the ability to identify cancer mutations and alterations to inform physicians about a patient’s disease and therapeutic options. Additionally, Biocept is offering nationwide COVID-19 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing to support public health efforts during this unprecedented pandemic. For additional information, please visit www.biocept.com. Follow Biocept on Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter.
Contacts
Media contact—Biocept
Andrea Sampson, Sampson PR Group
[email protected]
562-304-0301
Investor Contact—Biocept
Jody Cain, LHA Investor Relations
[email protected]
310-691-7100
Media Contact—Protean BioDiagnostics
Paul Moon
[email protected]
403-390-1676