Biodesix’s MRD Test for Solid Tumors to Run on Bio-Rad's Upcoming QX600 ddPCR System

Biodesix, Inc. (Boulder, CO, USA) is developing a new novel minimal residual disease (MRD) test in association with the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK, New York, NY, USA) that will utilize the advanced multiplexing QX600 ddPCR System to be launched by Bio-Rad Laboratories (Hercules, CA, USA) later this year. Additionally, in the future, MSK and Biodesix could also develop other diagnostic tests aimed at improving the treatment of cancer.

Biodesix is the first company to offer eight non-invasive tests for patients with lung diseases. The blood based Nodify Lung nodule risk assessment testing strategy, consisting of the Nodify XL2 and the Nodify CDT tests, evaluates the risk of malignancy in incidental pulmonary nodules, enabling physicians to better triage patients to the most appropriate course of action. The blood based IQLung strategy for lung cancer patients integrates the GeneStrat ddPCR test, the GeneStrat NGS test and the VeriStrat test to support treatment decisions across all stages of lung cancer with results in an unprecedented 36-72 hours, expediting time to treatment.

Image: Bio-Rad’s Droplet Digital PCR Systems provide ultrasensitive and absolute nucleic acid quantification (Photo courtesy of Bio-Rad)

Biodesix also leverages the proprietary and advanced Diagnostic Cortex AI (Artificial Intelligence) platform, to collaborate with many of the world’s leading biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies to solve complex diagnostic challenges in lung disease. Biodesix will utilize its array of genomics, proteomics, artificial intelligence, and machine learning capabilities with the aim of developing and commercializing oncology biomarker assays in collaboration with MSK. Initially, the teams will collaborate to develop a highly sensitive molecular MRD test on the new ddPCR platform, the Bio-Rad QX600 ddPCR System.

“The initiation of this research program with MSK is a significant milestone for Biodesix. While the initial focus will be on developing a novel MRD test for solid tumors as an addition to our pipeline, Biodesix hopes to co-develop and validate a number of new test concepts under the agreement,” said Scott Hutton, CEO, Biodesix.

“As part of Bio-Rad's continued growth in oncology and expansion into the field of molecular MRD monitoring, we are pleased that Biodesix is utilizing the advanced multiplexing QX600 ddPCR System that will be launching later this year," said Simon May, EVP & President, Life Science Group, Bio-Rad Laboratories.

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