Amgen Launches Biomarker Assist™, a Program To Help More Patients With Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Gain Access To Biomarker Testing
Amgen has launched Biomarker Assist™, a program designed to increase access to biomarker testing for patients with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). This initiative, supported by professional clinical guidelines, aims to address the issue that many patients are not tested despite the critical role of biomarkers in treatment decisions. The program includes two components: the Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) Affordability Program and the KRAS Single Gene Test Program.
- Launch of Biomarker Assist™ to improve access to biomarker testing.
- Eligible patients may receive financial assistance, promoting early diagnosis and personalized treatment.
- None.
THOUSAND OAKS, Calif., April 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Amgen (NASDAQ: AMGN) today announced the launch of Biomarker Assist™, a program to help more patients with metastatic (stage IV) non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) gain access to biomarker testing. Biomarker testing at the time of diagnosis is a critical first step in getting patients on the right treatment. Through Biomarker Assist™, eligible patients may save on biomarker testing.
Professional clinical guidelines, including the College of American Pathologists (CAP), the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer (IASLC), the Association for Molecular Pathology (AMP) and the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) recommend comprehensive biomarker testing of multiple genes simultaneously—for both actionable and emerging biomarkers—for patients diagnosed with advanced NSCLC regardless of clinical characteristics such as age, race or smoking status.1
"Approximately half of all patients with non-small cell lung cancer have oncogene biomarkers, yet despite the integral role that biomarkers play in lung cancer to identify patients who may benefit from targeted therapies, many patients are not tested," said Darryl Sleep, M.D., chief medical officer and senior vice president of Global Medical at Amgen.2,3 "Amgen is excited to launch Biomarker Assist™, a patient support program that demonstrates our commitment to closing the gap in testing rates. Based on a patient's biomarker status, clinicians and patients can make informed decisions on personalized treatment plans and targeted therapies which have significantly improved the prognosis for many patients."
NSCLC is a heterogeneous disease associated with different driver mutations that are responsible for cancer development and growth.1 There are currently seven different actionable driver mutations in NSCLC with a number of emerging therapies under investigation for other molecular mutational drivers, including KRAS.
"The advancement of personalized medicine has transformed the treatment of lung cancer leading to the development of innovative targeted immunotherapies and personalized treatment plans for patients," said Jennifer C. King, Ph.D., chief scientific officer of GO2 Foundation for Lung Cancer. "Over the last decade, the cancer community has learned a great deal about precision medicine, particularly for non-small cell lung cancer, but if patients aren't getting comprehensive biomarker testing, then they are less likely to benefit from all of the therapeutic advancements. We welcome programs like Amgen's Biomarker Assist™ because we need support from all stakeholders, including industry, so that comprehensive biomarker testing becomes universal for everyone who is diagnosed with lung cancer."
About Amgen Biomarker Assist™
Biomarker Assist™ is comprised of two programs: the Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) Affordability Program and the KRAS Single Gene Test (SGT) Program. The NGS Affordability Program offers assistance to eligible patients with out-of-pocket costs for a comprehensive biomarker panel for patients who have advanced or metastatic (stage IV) NSCLC. This panel must include the KRAS gene. The program is for commercially or privately insured patients. The KRAS Single Gene Test Program will provide a KRAS Mutation Analysis at no cost to any eligible patient, regardless of a patient's results and insurance. Patients will receive results from participating NeoGenomics Laboratories. Both programs are valid for testing performed through Dec. 31, 2021. To learn more about eligibility for these programs and read the full Terms and Conditions, visit www.BiomarkerAssist.com or contact 1-888-4ASSIST with questions.
About Amgen Oncology
Amgen Oncology is searching for and finding answers to incredibly complex questions that will advance care and improve lives for cancer patients and their families. Our research drives us to understand the disease in the context of the patient's life – not just their cancer journey – so they can take control of their lives.
For the last four decades, we have been dedicated to discovering the firsts that matter in oncology and to finding ways to reduce the burden of cancer. Building on our heritage, Amgen continues to advance the largest pipeline in the Company's history, moving with great speed to advance those innovations for the patients who need them.
At Amgen, we are driven by our commitment to transform the lives of cancer patients and keep them at the center of everything we do.
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About Amgen
Amgen is committed to unlocking the potential of biology for patients suffering from serious illnesses by discovering, developing, manufacturing and delivering innovative human therapeutics. This approach begins by using tools like advanced human genetics to unravel the complexities of disease and understand the fundamentals of human biology.
Amgen focuses on areas of high unmet medical need and leverages its expertise to strive for solutions that improve health outcomes and dramatically improve people's lives. A biotechnology pioneer since 1980, Amgen has grown to be one of the world's leading independent biotechnology companies, has reached millions of patients around the world and is developing a pipeline of medicines with breakaway potential.
For more information, visit www.amgen.com and follow us on www.twitter.com/amgen.
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CONTACT: Amgen, Thousand Oaks
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References
- Pennell NA, Arcila ME, Gandara DR, West H. Biomarker Testing for Patients With Advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: Real-World Issues and Tough Choices. Am Soc Clin Oncol Educ Book. 2019;39:531-542.
- Pakkala S, et al. JCI Insights. 2018;3:e120858.
- Gutierrez ME, Choi K, Lanman RB, et al. Genomic Profiling of Advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer in Community Settings: Gaps and Opportunities. Clin Lung Cancer. 2017;18:651-659.
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