AltheaDx, a San Diego-based commercial stage molecular diagnostics company, has launched a CLIA-validated, next-generation sequencing (NGS) assay, AltheaDx Oncology Panel (AOP50), designed for multiple drug and companion diagnostic development programs.

Based on Thermo Fisher Scientific’s Oncomine Focus Assay, the AOP50 Assay allows concurrent analysis of DNA and RNA from solid tumors, enabling sequencing of 35 hotspot genes and 23 fusion genes in a single workflow on the Ion PGM System. With the increasing importance of genetic translocations in oncology, the AOP50 Assay also enables gene fusion transcript detection and reduces the complexity of performing alternate fusion detection methods such as fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH).

Leveraging the low-sample input requirement from formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue (10ng extracted nucleic acid for a total of 20ng per sample) of the Ion AmpliSeq technology, AOP50 enables accurate and reliable analysis of sequences from different tumor sample types, including small biopsies and fine needle aspirates.

“We are excited to add AOP50 to our growing portfolio of services. These tools will continue to enable clinical research efforts crucial to improving patient care and therapeutic decision-making for oncology professionals in the future,” said Jorge Garces, president and chief operating officer of AltheaDx.