Genomic Testing Cooperative, a Limited Cooperative Association, Launches a New Platform for Affordable Genomic Cancer Profiling

IRVINE, Calif., Nov. 1, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Genomic Testing Cooperative (GTC), a Limited Cooperative Association, announced today that it will offer multiple laboratory-developed genomic profiling tests for hematologic and solid tumors using next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology. The co-op provides a first of its kind platform for cooperation between commercial, hospital-based, and academic laboratories. This co-op structure allows the member laboratories to share resources and to participate in technological innovation, and determining the type of tests being developed. In addition, the co-op provides economies of scale that reduce costs of innovation in NGS. The co-op model is ideal for standardizing testing, obtaining FDA-clearance, and working with pharmaceutical companies on clinical trials.  

Complete molecular profiling including comprehensive interpretation, therapeutic options, and clinical trials are offered to co-op member laboratories at a standard price of $1,500.

"This co-op platform aims to revolutionize the next-gen sequencing cancer testing approach. Cooperation is critical for clinical laboratories to keep pace with the rapid advances in NGS technology, chemistry, bio-informatics and clinical applications," said founder Dr. Maher Albitar, the CEO and CMO at GTC. "In the era of precision medicine, we at the Genomic Testing Cooperative, believe that every patient with cancer has the right to affordable molecular profiling of their cancer so clear treatment options can be explored."

At this time, 8 different cancer genomic profiling tests are available. 

-Liquid biopsy for hematologic neoplasms is offered covering abnormalities in 177 genes. Bone marrow biopsy, which is very painful procedure, can potentially be avoided in more than 50% of patients, if liquid biopsy is used to profile molecular abnormalities in cell free DNA.

-The hematology profiling covers the coding sequence of 177 gene and provides complete information on diagnosis, prognosis, and heterogeneity in hematologic neoplasms. Screening for fusion and translocation in hematologic neoplasms is also available covering fusions and expression profiles of 65 different genes. Complete DNA and RNA evaluation of hematologic neoplasms (GTC Hematology Profile PLUS) provides comprehensive molecular evaluation of mutation, expression, and fusion/translocation of various types of hematologic neoplasms including diagnosis of Ph-like acute lymphoblastic leukemia and distinguishing between GCB and ABC diffuse large B-cell lymphoma.

-The solid tumors molecular profile evaluates mutations and fusions in the entire coding sequence of 434 genes and provides information on Tumor Mutation Burden (TMB) and Microsatellite Instability (MSI). A test for various fusions detected in solid tumors is also offered covering translocations involving 55 genes, including ALK, ROS1, RET, NTRK1, NTRK2, NTRK3 and sarcoma translocations.    

Generated molecular data is curated and checked for accuracy with the aid of proprietary software based on multiple algorithms and deep learning/machine learning approaches.

About Genomic Testing Cooperative, LCA
Genomic Testing Cooperative (GTC) is a privately-owned molecular testing company located in Irvine, CA. The company operates based on a cooperative (co-op) business model. Members of the co-op hold type A shares with voting rights. The company offers its patron members a full suite of comprehensive genomic profiling based mainly on next generation sequencing. Molecular alterations are identified based on rigorous testing with the aid of specially developed algorithms to increase accuracy and efficiency. The clinical relevance of the detected alterations is pulled from numerous databases using internally developed software. Relevance of findings to diagnosis, prognosis, selecting therapy, and predicting outcome are reported to members. The co-op model allows GTC to make the testing and information platform available to members at a lower cost because of a lower overhead. GTC depends on the co-op members for marketing, sales, and billing. For more information, please visit https://genomictestingcooperative.com/. 

Forward Looking Statements
All of the statements, expectations and assumptions contained in this press release are forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements are based on the GTC management's current expectations.  A number of risks and uncertainties, including ability of the company to recruit members for the co-op or to obtain adequate volume to reduce cost per test may differ from these expectations. Actual results and events may differ materially and adversely from these expectations. All information in this press release is as of the date of the release, and GTC undertakes no duty to update this information unless required by law.

Company contact:
Jennifer Varca
Genomic Testing Cooperative
[email protected]

SOURCE Genomic Testing Cooperative, LCA

Related Links

https://genomictestingcooperative.com