Benzinga | Mar 16, 2021 07:04AM EDT

NeoGenomics And Elevation Oncology Announce Clinical Trial Matching Collaboration To Expand Genomic Testing For NRG1 Fusions Across Solid Tumors In Support Of Phase 2 CRESTONE Study

Clinical Trial Matching Collaboration Will Enhance Identification of Patients with Any Solid Tumor Harboring an NRG1 Gene Fusion Identified Using NeoGenomics' Advanced Gene Fusion Panels

FORT MYERS, FL and NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / March 16, 2021 / NeoGenomics, Inc. (NASDAQ:NEO), a leading provider of cancer-focused genetic testing services and global oncology contract research services, and Elevation Oncology, a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company focused on the development of precision medicines for patients with genomically defined cancers, announced today a collaboration to enhance identification of patients with any solid tumor harboring an NRG1 fusion who may be eligible for enrollment in the Phase 2 CRESTONE study. NeoGenomics is a leading provider of next-generation sequencing (NGS) performing more than 50,000 NGS tests per year.

NRG1 gene fusions are oncogenic driver alterations that have recently been identified in over 10 solid tumor types, with an overall estimated incidence of 0.2% in all solid tumors. 1 Though rare, gene fusions are a proven target for precision oncology therapeutics, with over a dozen FDA-approved therapies now available for both hematologic and solid tumors driven by various gene fusions. 2

"Our collaboration with Elevation Oncology reflects our shared pursuit of matching cancer patients to clinical trials and therapies that are precisely targeted to their unique tumor types and genomic biomarkers," said Douglas M. VanOort, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NeoGenomics. "Through cross-industry collaborations, we enable greater efficiency in the development and delivery of the latest advancements in both diagnostics and targeted therapies. Together, we work towards a future where every patient living with cancer has the opportunity to benefit from precision medicine."

As part of its comprehensive oncology test menu, NeoGenomics offers a variety of gene fusion panels that leverage RNA-based NGS to detect translocations and fusions with known and novel fusion partners across all solid tumors, including actionable gene fusions such as in ALK, BRAF, FGFR, NRG1, NTRK, PDGF, RET, and ROS1. In addition to all solid tumor panels, targeted panels are available in tumor types where gene fusions are commonly enriched:

* Lung NGS Fusion Panel (Complete or Limited)

* Cholangio/Pancreatic Carcinoma NGS Fusion Panel

* Prostate NGS Fusion Panel

* Thyroid NGS Fusion Panel

* Targeted Solid Tumor NGS Fusion Panel

* Universal Solid Tumor NGS Fusion Panel

RNA-based sequencing is the most sensitive detection method for structural variants that span large intronic regions, such as those leading to NRG1 gene fusions, which may not be detectable by most DNA-based sequencing techniques reliant on short-read methods. In addition, the use of RNA-based NGS furthers the scientific understanding of gene fusions by enabling full characterization of gene fusion partners and nucleotide-level resolution of fusion junctions.

"Accurate and widespread identification of gene fusions is critical to ensure patients can be matched to the growing number of approved and investigational precision therapies for these key oncogenic drivers," said Shawn Leland, PharmD, RPh, Founder and CEO of Elevation Oncology. "We are pleased to partner with NeoGenomics to ensure that across any solid tumor, each positive NRG1 fusion test result has the potential to be met with an actionable therapeutic opportunity in our Phase 2 CRESTONE study."

Patients and physicians can learn more about the CRESTONE study at www.nrg1fusion.com or on www.ClinicalTrials.gov under the NCT number NCT04383210.

References:

2 Jonna S et al., Detection of NRG1 Gene Fusions in Solid Tumors. Clin Cancer Res. 2019 Aug 15;25(16):4966-4972.

4 Drugs@FDA Database, Accessed 2/15/2021