Thermo Fisher Scientific to Help Advance Myeloid Cancer Clinical Research and Treatment Utilizing Next Generation Sequencing Technology

Rhea-AI Summary

Thermo Fisher Scientific (NYSE: TMO) is collaborating with the National Cancer Institute (NCI) to advance the myeloMATCH precision medicine clinical trial. This trial aims to accelerate research and treatment for Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) and Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS) using next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology. By quickly identifying genetic biomarkers in patients' bone marrow and blood, the trial aims to match patients to appropriate clinical studies. This approach could lead to more personalized and effective treatments, potentially increasing the survival rate for these aggressive cancers. The trial will deploy Thermo Fisher's Ion Torrent Genexus System, which offers next-day genomic testing and covers over 2,200 sites in North America.

Positive

• Thermo Fisher's NGS technology accelerates matching of AML and MDS patients to clinical trials.
• Partnership with NCI enhances credibility and scope of the myeloMATCH trial.
• Genexus System offers next-day genomic testing, expediting treatment initiation.
• myeloMATCH trial includes over 2,200 clinical sites across North America.

Negative

• High complexity and cost associated with next-generation sequencing technology.
• The trial relies heavily on rapid and accurate genetic profiling, which may not be accessible to all patients.

Oncology Doctor

Thermo Fisher Scientific partnering on the myeloMATCH clinical trial is highly notable for oncology, particularly in the battle against Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) and Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS). These diseases progress rapidly, with survival rates significantly impacted by the speed of detection and treatment. The utilization of next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology to identify genetic biomarkers in patients' bone marrow and blood is a game-changer. Rapid genomic profiling can facilitate personalized treatment plans, improving both the efficacy of interventions and patient outcomes.

This partnership enables a more tailored approach to treatment, which is essential given the genetic diversity found in AML and MDS. The development of the Ion Torrent Genexus System underscores the drive towards rapid, accurate and automated genomic testing, reducing the time to treatment initiation. In clinical practice, quicker identification of suitable clinical trials could mean the difference between life and death for patients with aggressive forms of leukemia.

By streamlining the process of matching patients to trials, the potential to increase survival rates is profound. This approach aligns well with current clinical guidelines emphasizing the need for quick and precise genetic analysis. However, the long-term effectiveness of these new targeted therapies still needs to be rigorously evaluated in diverse patient populations.

Financial Analyst

Thermo Fisher Scientific's involvement in the myeloMATCH clinical trial has significant financial implications. Partnering with the National Cancer Institute (NCI) demonstrates a strategic move to bolster its position in the precision medicine market, capitalizing on the increasing demand for genomic testing. The adoption of the Ion Torrent Genexus System to accelerate patient enrollment in trials could potentially lead to increased revenue streams from both the sale of the system and associated consumables.

This collaboration also enhances Thermo Fisher's reputation and credibility in the life sciences sector. By addressing a critical need for faster genetic testing in oncology, Thermo Fisher positions itself as a pivotal player in precision medicine. The trial's success could lead to broader commercial applications of the Genexus System, amplifying its growth prospects.

Short-term, investors might see a spike in stock value driven by positive market sentiment and increased visibility. However, long-term sustainability will hinge on the outcomes of these clinical trials and subsequent FDA approvals for diagnostic use. Potential risks include the high costs associated with R&D and the inherent uncertainties in clinical trial outcomes.

Market Research Analyst

The myeloMATCH trial underscores a growing trend in the precision medicine market, which seeks to tailor medical treatment to individual genetic profiles. This initiative is a strong indicator of the industry's shift towards more personalized healthcare solutions. For investors, understanding this trend is important as it reflects a broader market evolution towards technologies that enable rapid, precise and personalized treatment options.

The trial's focus on AML and MDS, conditions with high unmet medical needs, highlights an opportunity to tap into a market seeking more effective and timely treatments. Successful implementation and positive trial results could drive demand for NGS technologies beyond oncology, expanding into other medical fields.

Moreover, the cooperation with multiple pharmaceutical companies and the use of diverse drugs indicate a collaborative approach that could lead to the development of a range of new treatments. This diversified strategy can mitigate risks associated with single-drug dependency and enhance the trial's overall success rate.

In summary, this initiative not only addresses immediate clinical needs but also positions Thermo Fisher and its Genexus System at the forefront of a transformative trend in healthcare, potentially leading to significant market opportunities.

myeloMATCH Precision Medicine Clinical Trial Leverages Next-Day Genomic Testing to Quickly Match Patients with Appropriate Trials Across North America

WALTHAM, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- To help accelerate research into new treatments for Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) and Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS), Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. (NYSE: TMO), the world leader in serving science, is partnering with the National Cancer Institute (NCI) – part of the National Institutes of Health – on the myeloMATCH (Molecular Analysis for Therapy Choice) precision medicine umbrella trial. By testing patients’ bone marrow and blood for certain genetic biomarkers using Thermo Fisher’s next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology, clinical sites can more quickly match patients with an appropriate clinical trial that tests a treatment designed to target specific mutations present in the samples.

myeloMATCH Precision Medicine Clinical Trial Leverages Next-Day Genomic Testing to Quickly Match Patients with Appropriate Trials Across North America (Photo: Business Wire)

AML is an aggressive cancer of the bone marrow and blood and is one of the most common types of leukemia. Because it can advance quickly with a five-year survival rate of only 30-40% for people under age 60, rapid detection and effective treatment are essential to improve patient outcomes. Further, clinical practice guidelines note the importance of rapid genetic analysis to identify biomarkers that may help match patients with optimal treatments based on their unique cancer profile.

“myeloMATCH breaks new ground in many ways, not least by assembling a portfolio of sub-studies to treat patients with specific subtypes of AML and MDS through all stages of their treatment journey,” said Dr. Harry P. Erba, chair of the Southwest Oncology Group (SWOG) Leukemia Committee and co-chair of the myeloMATCH Senior Science Council. “Many more treatment options are available for people with AML and MDS than just 5-10 years ago, and many more targeted therapies are being developed. However, to choose the best treatment option for our patients requires knowledge of the genetic changes that underly the disease, which vary between patients. This information is needed quickly in order to begin effective therapy for very aggressive cancers. Our partnership with Thermo Fisher allows us to obtain the required genomic profiling rapidly and begin therapies specific for each subtype of the disease. Through this personalized approach to treatment, we believe we will increase the number of people who are leukemia survivors."

The study aims to complete genomic testing and deliver complete results within a few days across testing modalities to help quickly enroll patients into specific sub-studies based on their biomarker profile at time of diagnosis. As the first turnkey NGS solution that automates the specimen-to-report workflow designed to deliver results in a single day with just two user touchpoints, the Ion Torrent^™ Genexus^™ System* will help accelerate the process of matching patients with appropriate clinical trials.

myeloMATCH will be open in the U.S. and Canadian sites of the NCI National Clinical Trials Network, which includes more than 2,200 sites. Further, the NCI’s Division of Cancer Treatment and Diagnosis has developed cooperative research and development agreements with many pharmaceutical companies that will provide different drugs to support myeloMATCH. By conducting multiple treatment sub-studies specific to genomic types, myeloMATCH may help fuel the development of promising new therapies.

“myeloMATCH is an immense step forward for patients with aggressive and rapidly advancing cancers who need better treatment options,” said John Sos, senior vice president and president, life sciences solutions at Thermo Fisher Scientific. “Using the Genexus System, clinical teams across sites can quickly match eligible patients with the right trials to ultimately better understand the clinical impact of these therapies. By helping to expedite this process, we can ensure that more patients have access to appropriate precision oncology treatments.”

Patient samples will be sequenced in the myeloMATCH Molecular Diagnostics Laboratory Network (MDNet) using the Genexus System and reagents along with the Oncomine-based NCI Myeloid Assay as part of an approved Investigational Device Exemption (IDE) to assign participants to myeloMATCH treatment studies and has received Investigational New Drug authorization by the U.S. Federal Drug Administration. The MDNet sites at the Molecular Characterization Laboratory, part of the Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, and the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center in Seattle, Wash., are funded by NCI for this activity. As presented during the 2023 American Society of Hematology (ASH) annual meeting, the assay demonstrated high sensitivity and reproducibility between sites.

To learn more about myeloMATCH, please visit https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05564390

* Available for research use only in the United States. Not for use in diagnostic procedures.

About Thermo Fisher Scientific

Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. is the world leader in serving science, with annual revenue over $40 billion. Our Mission is to enable our customers to make the world healthier, cleaner and safer. Whether our customers are accelerating life sciences research, solving complex analytical challenges, increasing productivity in their laboratories, improving patient health through diagnostics or the development and manufacture of life-changing therapies, we are here to support them. Our global team delivers an unrivaled combination of innovative technologies, purchasing convenience and pharmaceutical services through our industry-leading brands, including Thermo Scientific, Applied Biosystems, Invitrogen, Fisher Scientific, Unity Lab Services, Patheon and PPD. For more information, please visit www.thermofisher.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240711570854/en/

Media Contact Information:

Sandy Pound

Thermo Fisher Scientific

Phone: 781-622-1223

E-mail: sandy.pound@thermofisher.com

Investor Contact Information

Rafael Tejada

Thermo Fisher Scientific

Phone: 781-622-1256

Email: rafael.tejada@thermofisher.com

Source: Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc.

FAQ

What is the myeloMATCH precision medicine clinical trial?

The myeloMATCH trial is a collaboration between Thermo Fisher Scientific and the National Cancer Institute to accelerate research and treatment for AML and MDS using next-generation sequencing technology.

How does Thermo Fisher's technology contribute to the myeloMATCH trial?

Thermo Fisher's Ion Torrent Genexus System offers next-day genomic testing to quickly identify genetic biomarkers and match patients to appropriate clinical trials.

What is the expected impact of the myeloMATCH trial on AML and MDS treatments?

The trial aims to provide more personalized and effective treatments by quickly matching patients to trials based on their genetic biomarkers, potentially increasing survival rates.

How many sites are involved in the myeloMATCH trial?

The myeloMATCH trial includes over 2,200 clinical sites across the U.S. and Canada.

What specific technology is being used in the myeloMATCH trial?

The trial uses Thermo Fisher's Ion Torrent Genexus System for next-day genomic testing and the Oncomine-based NCI Myeloid Assay.