SOPHiA GENETICS and AstraZeneca Spain Commit to Increasing Ovarian Cancer Testing in Spain

Rhea-AI Summary

SOPHiA GENETICS and AstraZeneca Spain have expanded their HRD testing program in Spain to support the molecular diagnosis of ovarian cancer. The program aims to increase access to local testing for homologous recombination deficiency (HRD) throughout the country, with the goal of making vital testing available to thousands more patients. AstraZeneca Spain has named SOPHiA GENETICS its preferred partner in deploying HRD testing throughout Spain, offering the option for HRD testing to become available to more laboratories. The collaboration aims to increase accelerated diagnostics for patients and support clinicians in precision treatment planning.

Insights

Oncology Doctor

The expansion of the HRD testing program by SOPHiA GENETICS and AstraZeneca in Spain is a significant development in the management of ovarian cancer. HRD, or homologous recombination deficiency, is a critical biomarker in ovarian cancer, as it indicates a tumor's susceptibility to certain targeted therapies, such as PARP inhibitors. The ability to accurately identify HRD-positive tumors is paramount for oncologists, as it allows for a more personalized approach to treatment, potentially improving patient outcomes.

From a clinical perspective, the widespread availability of HRD testing could lead to earlier and more precise interventions. This is particularly relevant in ovarian cancer, where early detection and tailored treatment plans are crucial for increasing survival rates. The collaboration's focus on increasing the speed and volume of next-generation sequencing (NGS) testing also suggests that patients will benefit from a more efficient diagnostic process, potentially leading to quicker initiation of appropriate therapies.

Medical Research Analyst

The partnership between SOPHiA GENETICS and AstraZeneca Spain underscores the growing importance of data-driven medicine and precision oncology. By deploying the SOPHiA DDM™ Platform across more laboratories, there is an expectation of an increase in the volume of global data on HRD. This could have a profound impact on the future of ovarian cancer treatment research, as a larger dataset can facilitate more robust studies and potentially lead to the discovery of novel therapeutic targets.

Furthermore, the program's success in processing over 4,000 samples to date highlights the scalability and effectiveness of the SOPHiA DDM™ Platform. This platform's expansion could serve as a model for other countries looking to implement similar diagnostic capabilities, potentially leading to a standardized approach in the detection and treatment of HRD-positive tumors globally.

Healthcare Economist

The collaboration between SOPHiA GENETICS and AstraZeneca Spain could have significant economic implications for the healthcare system in Spain. By making HRD testing more accessible, there is potential for cost savings through the optimization of treatment regimens. Personalized medicine, enabled by such testing, may lead to more efficient use of healthcare resources by avoiding ineffective treatments and reducing the incidence of adverse reactions.

Additionally, the program's commitment to health equity is noteworthy. Ensuring that advanced diagnostic tools are available throughout the country, not just in major urban centers, addresses disparities in healthcare access. This can lead to improved health outcomes across various demographics, potentially reducing long-term healthcare costs associated with advanced-stage cancer treatment and palliative care.

SOPHiA GENETICS and AstraZeneca Spain expand HRD testing program to support molecular diagnosis of ovarian cancer in Spain

BOSTON and ROLLE, Switzerland and MADRID, Feb. 7, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- SOPHiA GENETICS (Nasdaq: SOPH), a cloud-native software company and a leader in data-driven medicine, today announced it has expanded an existing program in Spain to increase access to local testing for homologous recombination deficiency (HRD) throughout the country. The expansion of the program, supported by AstraZeneca Spain and its network throughout the country, will further SOPHiA GENETICS' commitment to global health equity by making this vital testing available to thousands more patients in the country.

The program from SOPHiA GENETICS and AstraZeneca Spain started in 2022, when AstraZeneca and SOPHiA GENETICS collaborated to deploy HRD testing to five labs throughout the country. In just six weeks on average, the labs were ready to start processing samples, allowing them to process tumor samples in an expedient manner. This collaboration allowed for over 4,000 samples to be analyzed to-date, equating to approximately 90 percent of HRD testing available for patients in Spain.

With today's announcement, AstraZeneca Spain named SOPHiA GENETICS its preferred partner in deploying HRD testing throughout Spain. Together, SOPHiA GENETICS and AstraZeneca are offering the option for HRD testing to become available to even more laboratories throughout the country to help facilitate in-house HRD detection. The testing will not only aid in identifying HRD-positive tumors but will support faster diagnostics by increasing the volume and speed of next-generation sequencing (NGS) testing and tumor profiling available. By deploying the SOPHiA DDM™ Platform across further labs, the companies aim to increase accelerated diagnostics for patients and support clinicians in precision treatment planning.

For Marta Moreno, director of Corporate Affairs and Market Access of AstraZeneca Spain, "At AstraZeneca we are focused on putting the medicine precision available to patients collaborating with hospitals and reference centers throughout Spain. Thanks to the study of biomarkers we can improve the approach to cancer patients, giving them treatment with greater guarantee of effectiveness and as personalized as possible, complying with our goal of chronicling cancer and getting rid of it someday as a cause of death. Hence our agreement with SOPHiA GENETICS, to offer hospital centers throughout Spain the possibility of making an accurate diagnosis for patients with ovarian cancer."

"The ability for local facilities in Spain to test for HRD status is paramount to providers in the region developing data-driven treatment plans to help increase positive health outcomes," said Kevin Puylaert, Managing Director, EMEA, SOPHiA GENETICS. "We are excited to expand our testing program across several local diagnostic facilities. This program will not only make a difference to those who receive testing but will increase the volume of global data on HRD to help further progress on treatment options for those facing ovarian cancer."

HRD is caused by a cell's impaired ability to repair DNA double-stranded breaks through the homologous recombination repair (HRR) pathway; it is an important predictor of tumor response to certain treatment options. HRD is linked with the development of several cancers, including advanced ovarian cancer, and is the most prevalent alteration in ovarian cancer¹, with approximately half of all newly diagnosed patients having HRD-positive tumors².

About AstraZeneca Spain

AstraZeneca (LSE/STO/Nasdaq: AZN) is a global, science-led biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery, development and commercialization of prescription medicines in Oncology, Rare Diseases and Biopharma, including Cardiovascular, Renal and Metabolism, and Respiratory and Immunology. Headquartered in Cambridge, United Kingdom, AstraZeneca operates in more than 100 countries and its innovative medicines are used by millions of patients around the world.

AstraZeneca is a Top Employers in Spain and Europe and has been awarded the EFR certificate for a Family Responsible Company.

Visit astrazeneca.es and follow the company on Twitter @AstraZenecaES and Instagram @AstraZenecaES

About SOPHiA GENETICS 
SOPHiA GENETICS (Nasdaq: SOPH) is a software company dedicated to establishing the practice of data-driven medicine as the standard of care and for life sciences research. It is the creator of the SOPHiA DDM™ Platform, a cloud-native platform capable of analyzing data and generating insights from complex multimodal data sets and different diagnostic modalities. The SOPHiA DDM™ Platform and related solutions, products, and services are currently used by a broad network of hospital, laboratory, and biopharma institutions globally. For more information, visit SOPHiAGENETICS.COM, or connect on X, LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram. Where others see data, we see answers. 

SOPHiA DDM™ Dx HRD Solution is available as a CE-IVD product for In Vitro Diagnostic Use in Europe and Turkey. The information in this press release is about products that may or may not be available in different countries and, if applicable, may or may not have received approval or market clearance by a governmental regulatory body for different indications for use. Please contact support@sophiagenetics.com to obtain the appropriate product information for your country of residence.

SOPHiA GENETICS Forward-Looking Statements: 
This press release contains statements that constitute forward-looking statements. All statements other than statements of historical facts contained in this press release, including statements regarding our future results of operations and financial position, business strategy, products, and technology, as well as plans and objectives of management for future operations, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on our management's beliefs and assumptions and on information currently available to our management. Such statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, and actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements due to various factors, including those described in our filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. No assurance can be given that such future results will be achieved. Such forward-looking statements contained in this press release speak only as of the date hereof. We expressly disclaim any obligation or undertaking to update these forward-looking statements contained in this press release to reflect any change in our expectations or any change in events, conditions, or circumstances on which such statements are based, unless required to do so by applicable law. No representations or warranties (expressed or implied) are made about the accuracy of any such forward-looking statements.

¹https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10342032/#:~:text=According%20to%20The%20Cancer%20Genome,clinical%20benefits%20of%20PARP%20inhibitors.
²https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0923753421048286

 

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SOURCE SOPHiA GENETICS

FAQ

What is the purpose of the HRD testing program expansion in Spain?

The expansion aims to increase access to local testing for homologous recombination deficiency (HRD) throughout the country, with the goal of making vital testing available to thousands more patients.

What is the partnership between SOPHiA GENETICS and AstraZeneca Spain about?

AstraZeneca Spain has named SOPHiA GENETICS its preferred partner in deploying HRD testing throughout Spain, offering the option for HRD testing to become available to more laboratories.

What is the significance of HRD testing in the context of ovarian cancer?

HRD is an important predictor of tumor response to certain treatment options and is linked with the development of several cancers, including advanced ovarian cancer.

How many samples have been analyzed through the HRD testing program in Spain?

Over 4,000 samples have been analyzed to-date, equating to approximately 90 percent of HRD testing available for patients in Spain.

What is the impact of the collaboration on diagnostics and treatment planning?

The collaboration aims to increase accelerated diagnostics for patients and support clinicians in precision treatment planning by increasing the volume and speed of next-generation sequencing (NGS) testing and tumor profiling available.