Perthera, Novartis Partner on Clinical Trials for Lung, Breast Cancer
NEW YORK (GenomeWeb) – Perthera said today that it is collaborating with drugmaker Novartis to identify breast and lung cancer patients for clinical trials.
Under the collaboration, Novartis will access cancer patients who have used Perthera’s Precision Cancer Analysis (PCA) service, which facilitates molecular profiling of patients’ cancers. The service includes genomic, proteomic, and phosphoproteomic analyses of patient tumors.
Since launching five years ago, McLean, Virginia-based Perthera has processed around 1,000 patients using its PCA service. The company does not perform the molecular profiling itself but rather manages various aspects of the process, arranging for patient samples to be collected and then sent out to different molecular profiling firms for analysis. It then consults with oncologists and other experts to determine potential courses of therapy suggested by patients’ profiles.
To date, Perthera’s work has focused primarily on pancreatic cancer, but the company aims to move into profiling of other cancers.
“Our vision is to extend our global lead in offering all cancer patients the full menu and all the potential benefits of precision medicine, and our relationship with Novartis helps advance our pursuit of that goal,” Andrew Mignatti, Perthera’s president and CEO, said in a statement.
Financial and other terms of the agreement were not disclosed.