Q2 Solutions, a global clinical trials laboratory services organization, has announced the expansion of its genomic companion diagnostics (CDx) capabilities. This comes as a result of an agreement between Q2 Solutions—EA Genomics and Illumina, a global leader in genomics, to establish a framework for developing next-generation sequencing-based (NGS) CDx assays. The expansion of Q2 Solutions’ CDx development portfolio will further enhance the company’s wide range of end-to-end services that extend from biomarker discovery and development to the application of precision medicine through its clinical trials laboratory network.

Under the terms of the agreement, Q2 Solutions will develop NGS assays using the Illumina MiSeqDx instrument. The MiSeqDx is the first NGS instrument to be cleared by the FDA for in vitro diagnostic purposes in clinical laboratories. This alliance brings together two companies, combining Q2 Solutions’ global experience and local knowledge, as well as its deep genomic, scientific and medical expertise, with Illumina’s ability to apply innovative technologies to the analysis of genetic variation and function.

“At Q2 Solutions, we partner with our customers to bring innovative solutions to meet the needs of patients across the world,” said Costa Panagos, chief executive officer, Q2 Solutions. “The industry is quickly moving toward a world of precision medicine, and we believe companion diagnostics are key to unlocking a new future for patients who are battling diseases, such as cancer, where more targeted and accurate therapies are critical. Q2 Solutions helped develop 62% of all FDA-approved precision medicine drugs of 2015, and we look forward to the opportunity to continue working with our customers on an approach that can help improve healthcare globally.”

Launched in 2015, Q2 Solutions is a global clinical trials laboratory services organization that helps biopharmaceutical, medical device and diagnostics customers improve human health through innovation that transforms science and data into actionable medical insights. Q2 Solutions is a joint venture formed by QuintilesIMS and Quest Diagnostics, combining the clinical trials laboratory services of each parent organization.