GeneCentric: Cancer sign-off
GeneCentric Diagnostics Inc. was founded to translate gene sequences into out-licensable assets for partners to market as laboratory-developed tests. The first product based on a GeneCentric assay - a test to help subtype non-small cell lung cancer and guide therapy - was launched by Laboratory Corp. of America Holdings last month.
President and CEO Myla Lai-Goldman said GeneCentric's first programs are based on two genetic signatures identified by University of North Carolina researchers and company co-founders David Neil Hayes and Charles Perou. GeneCentric exclusively licensed the IP last year.
The company's first product is a 54-gene assay designed to distinguish between squamous and adenocarcinoma subtypes of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).
Lai-Goldman said the product is meant for use as an adjunct to histopathological review - the gold standard - to help define the subtype of a lung tumor biopsy and to guide use of drugs, such as Alimta pemetrexed and Avastin bevacizumab.