What You Should Know:
– Hartwig Medical Foundation, a provider in using comprehensive genetic profiling to improve cancer treatment, and Ultima Genomics, a developer of groundbreaking next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology, announce a groundbreaking collaboration.
– The strategic partnership aims to make whole genome sequencing, the most detailed form of genetic analysis, a more accessible and affordable tool in the fight against cancer.
The Challenge: High Costs Limit Testing
Despite advancements in NGS technology, the high cost often restricts its use in cancer testing, particularly whole genome sequencing. This limits the depth and frequency of testing, hindering the development of personalized treatment plans for cancer patients.
Introducing Ultima’s UG 100 System and ppmSeq Technology
Ultima Genomics addresses this challenge with the UG 100 sequencing system and ppmSeq technology.
- UG 100 System: This innovative platform offers significantly lower sequencing costs compared to traditional technologies.
- ppmSeq Technology: This unique technology delivers ultra-high accuracy for detecting single nucleotide variants (SNVs) in a patient’s genetic makeup.
Benefits of the Collaboration
By combining these advancements, Hartwig and Ultima aim to:
- Increase Accessibility: Make whole genome-based cancer diagnostics more affordable for patients, enabling more informed treatment decisions.
- Enhanced Monitoring: Enable more frequent monitoring of a patient’s cancer, allowing for timely adjustments to treatment plans.
- Minimal Residual Disease Detection: Explore the potential for using the UG 100 system to detect minimal residual disease (MRD) in a patient’s blood. MRD refers to the presence of a small number of cancer cells remaining after treatment.
Collaboration for Future Advancements
Hartwig Medical Foundation plans to integrate the UG 100 system and ppmSeq technology into their routine diagnostic procedures, working with partner hospitals. Data from consenting patients will be added to their existing database of over 7,000 samples. This enriched resource will be used for scientific research, ultimately leading to better cancer care for future patients.
