LabCorp has tapped cell sequencer Mission Bio to provide single-cell DNA analysis and precision genomics in a collaboration with its Covance drug development business. In addition, LabCorp and its contract research arm will also evaluate Mission Bio’s Tapestri DNA sequencing platform and explore its use in clinical diagnostics and the development of new companion diagnostic tests. “There is keen interest in improving the identification of residual cancer cells that remain after treatment, to provide more specific information about treatment response and remission durability,” said Covance Chief Scientific Officer Steve Anderson. Virtual Clinical Trials Online This virtual event will bring together industry experts to discuss the increasing pace of pharmaceutical innovation, the need to maintain data quality and integrity as new technologies are implemented and understand regulatory challenges to ensure compliance. “A more sensitive test for minimal residual disease, which is possible through single-cell genomics, has great potential to streamline clinical trials and help providers manage their patients’ care more effectively,” Anderson added. RELATED: Mission Bio reels in $30M for single-cell genomics tech for oncology, CRISPR The single-cell Tapestri platform is designed to identify the individual cancer cells that may drive disease, by detecting rare subclones and co-occurring cancer mutations, while measuring therapy responses and disease progression. The collaboration comes after LabCorp’s investments in Mission Bio, including in a $30 million series B round completed last December. “The combination of LabCorp’s diagnostics and drug development capabilities makes it the ideal partner to expand our global ecosystem by opening access to the biopharmaceutical industry,” Mission Bio CEO Charlie Silver said in a statement. “With this partnership, we can now offer complete support from preclinical and biomarker discovery through to clinical trials and commercialization.” Separately, Mission Bio also inked an agreement with the Carlsbad, California-based contract diagnostics manufacturer Argonaut Manufacturing Services, to help build out its supply chain and commercialization of its Tapestri platform. The financial details for both of Mission Bio’s agreements have not been disclosed.
US life sciences firm LabCorp and its subsidiary Tapestri will partner with cell sequencer Mission Bio to improve identification of residual cancer cells. The collaboration will assess Mission Bio's Tapestri DNA sequencing platform, which can find individual cancer cells driving the disease, in the development of companion diagnostics that could improve patient care. LabCorp was among the investors in Mission Bio's $30m series B round last December.