Personalis Announces Start of Cancer MRD Testing Commercialization Collaboration with Tempus

Rhea-AI Summary

Personalis announced a new partnership with Tempus to commercialize NeXT Personal®, their advanced liquid biopsy test used for detecting minimal residual disease (MRD) and cancer recurrence. Tempus' commercial team will start discussions with doctors regarding the test's application in breast and lung cancers, as well as immunotherapy monitoring across all solid tumors. This collaboration aims to enhance cancer patient care by enabling earlier detection and informed treatment decisions. NeXT Personal Dx, launched last October, boasts ultra-sensitive detection capabilities, identifying up to 1,800 unique somatic variants. The test's new data will be presented at the 2024 ASCO Annual Meeting in breast cancer and immunotherapy monitoring.

Positive

• Start of commercialization with Tempus for NeXT Personal®.
• Involvement of Tempus' commercial team to reach doctors.
• NeXT Personal Dx's ultra-sensitive detection capabilities.
• Detection of up to 1,800 somatic variants unique to each patient’s tumor.
• Potential for earlier cancer recurrence detection and informed treatment decisions.
• Presentation of new data at the 2024 ASCO Annual Meeting.

Negative

• information on financial terms of the collaboration.
• No immediate data on commercial performance or adoption rates.
• Dependence on Tempus' commercial team for market penetration.

Insights

Medical Research Analyst

The commercialization effort by Personalis in collaboration with Tempus is a significant move in the field of precision oncology. The NeXT Personal® test's capability to detect minimal residual disease (MRD) with such high sensitivity is a substantial advancement in cancer management. For context, MRD detection involves identifying tiny amounts of cancer that remain after treatment, which can lead to relapse if undetected.

This test's ability to identify just one cancer DNA fragment among one million non-cancerous DNA fragments is noteworthy. It means that oncologists can detect cancer recurrences much earlier than traditional methods. By identifying up to 1,800 somatic variants unique to the patient's tumor, the test offers a personalized approach, tailoring treatment decisions to the genetic specifics of the cancer.

For retail investors, this means the company is on the cutting edge of oncology diagnostics, potentially leading to increased adoption by oncologists and thus, higher revenue streams. Collaborating with Tempus, which has an established commercial team, further solidifies the potential for market penetration. This partnership likely fast-tracks the test's adoption, given Tempus' existing relationships with medical professionals.

Considering the growing emphasis on personalized medicine and early intervention in oncology, this development aligns well with industry trends. However, investors should also consider the competitive landscape and the time it may take for significant revenue impacts to materialize.

Financial Analyst

From a financial standpoint, the collaboration between Personalis and Tempus indicates a strategic move to leverage Tempus' established commercial channels. Personalis' NeXT Personal® assay, which offers ultra-sensitive MRD detection, represents a high-value product in the diagnostics market. The ability to commercialize this test effectively can significantly impact revenue.

Investors should note that early detection and personalized treatment plans could drive higher demand for this assay among oncologists. This could translate into increased sales and potentially higher margins, given the specialized nature of the test. Additionally, the collaboration may reduce Personalis' go-to-market costs, as they can utilize Tempus' existing infrastructure and networks.

However, it's essential to consider the broader market conditions and the company's current financial health. While the long-term prospects appear promising, there may be initial costs and integration challenges as the collaboration ramps up. Investors should monitor upcoming financial reports to gauge the immediate financial impact and market reception.

FREMONT, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Personalis, Inc. (Nasdaq: PSNL), a leader in advanced genomics for precision oncology, announced today the commencement of commercialization efforts by Tempus for NeXT Personal®, Personalis’ ultra-sensitive, whole genome-based liquid biopsy assay for detection of minimal residual disease (MRD) and recurrence in cancer. Members of Tempus’ commercial team can now engage in discussions with doctors about the use of the NeXT Personal Dx test for breast and lung cancers, and for immunotherapy monitoring across all solid tumors.

“Today’s announcement opens up new possibilities for cancer patients and we’re excited to be working with Tempus to reach oncologists through our collective efforts,” said Chris Hall, CEO, Personalis.

This announcement follows the launch of NeXT Personal Dx in early access last October. NeXT Personal Dx helps oncologists detect cancer recurrence earlier and aids in treatment decision-making, with the ability to detect in blood just one DNA fragment from cancer in the midst of 1 million non-cancerous DNA fragments. The ultra-sensitive, personalized MRD assay identifies up to 1,800 somatic variants unique to each patient’s tumor, supporting physicians in making informed, individualized management decisions for patients. Personalis collaborators are also presenting new data on NeXT Personal at the 2024 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting in breast cancer and immunotherapy monitoring, including two oral presentations.

About Personalis, Inc.

At Personalis, we are transforming the active management of cancer through breakthrough personalized testing. We aim to drive a new paradigm for cancer management, guiding care from biopsy through the life of the patient. Our highly sensitive assays combine tumor-and-normal profiling with proprietary algorithms to deliver advanced insights even as cancer evolves over time. Our products are designed to detect minimal residual disease (MRD) and recurrence at the earliest time points, enable the selection of targeted therapies based on ultra-comprehensive genomic profiling, and enhance biomarker strategy for drug development. Personalis is based in Fremont, California. To learn more, visit www.personalis.com and connect with us on LinkedIn and X (Twitter).

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements in this press release that are not historical are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of U.S. securities laws, including statements relating to potential testing volume, the attributes, advantages or clinical validity of the NeXT Personal Dx test, or the expected benefits of Personalis’ collaboration with Tempus. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from any anticipated results or expectations expressed or implied by such statements, including the risks, uncertainties and other factors that relate to Personalis’ ability to demonstrate attributes, advantages or clinical validity of the NeXT Personal Dx test, the success of Tempus’ sales and marketing efforts, and the adoption and use of the NeXT Personal Dx test by oncologists. These and other potential risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from the results predicted in these forward-looking statements are described under the captions “Risk Factors” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in Personalis’ Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on February 28, 2024, and its Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2024, filed with the SEC on May 8, 2024. All information provided in this release is as of the date of this press release, and any forward-looking statements contained herein are based on assumptions that we believe to be reasonable as of this date. Undue reliance should not be placed on the forward-looking statements in this press release, which are based on information available to us on the date hereof. Personalis undertakes no duty to update this information unless required by law.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240531649732/en/

Investors:

Caroline Corner

investors@personalis.com

415-202-5678

Media:

pr@personalis.com

Source: Personalis, Inc.

FAQ

What is the focus of the collaboration between Personalis and Tempus?

The collaboration focuses on the commercialization of NeXT Personal®, an advanced liquid biopsy test for detecting minimal residual disease (MRD) and cancer recurrence.

What types of cancer does NeXT Personal Dx target?

NeXT Personal Dx targets breast and lung cancers, and it also monitors immunotherapy across all solid tumors.

When was NeXT Personal Dx launched?

NeXT Personal Dx was launched in early access last October.

How sensitive is NeXT Personal Dx in detecting cancer?

NeXT Personal Dx can detect just one cancer DNA fragment among 1 million non-cancerous DNA fragments.

How many somatic variants can NeXT Personal Dx identify?

NeXT Personal Dx can identify up to 1,800 somatic variants unique to each patient’s tumor.

Where will new data on NeXT Personal be presented?

New data on NeXT Personal will be presented at the 2024 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting.

What is PSNL's role in this collaboration?

Personalis (PSNL) developed NeXT Personal® and collaborates with Tempus to commercialize it.