Genetron Health and AstraZeneca Global R&D China Center Announce Collaboration to Co-Develop Personalized NGS-Based MRD Assay for Solid Tumors

Beijing, November 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ --Genetron Holdings Limited (NASDAQ: GTH) announced today that it has signed a collaboration agreement with AstraZeneca's Global R&D China Center (hereinafter referred to as "AstraZeneca") to jointly develop personalized custom Minimal Residual Disease (MRD) detection products for solid tumors based on Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) technology in China. AstraZeneca plans to apply it to relevant clinical trials in China. This is also the first specific cooperation project implemented under the in-depth strategic cooperation agreement signed between Genetron and AstraZeneca in October this year.

According to the agreement, both parties will jointly invest in the development of MRD for solid tumors. Based on the genomic variation profile of each patient's primary tumor, they will collaboratively develop and validate personalized MRD testing products for treatment efficacy evaluation and tumor recurrence monitoring. Meanwhile, the two parties will also establish a joint committee to oversee product development.

AstraZeneca plans to apply the product co-developed with Genetron Holdings Limited in clinical trials conducted in China, which involve personalized custom solid tumor MRD testing. In the future, the scope of cooperation between the two parties is expected to expand to the IVD registration and full commercialization of the product. If the progress is smooth, this will be a long-term exclusive cooperation between the two parties.

President of AstraZeneca Global R&D China Center, He Jing, stated:"We are delighted to collaborate with Genetron Holdings Limited to advance the development and potential commercialization of MRD detection products for solid tumors, aiding patients in achieving precision treatment. We hope both parties can leverage their respective strengths to develop innovative and effective MRD detection products, benefiting more cancer patients in China."

Genetron Holdings Limited Co-founder and CEO Wang Sizhen stated:"Thrilled to collaborate with AstraZeneca, a global leader in biopharmaceuticals. Leveraging Genetron’s proprietary Mutation Capsule technology, we possess valuable resources and data related to MRD testing for solid tumors, and this collaboration further validates the value of these data. By integrating AstraZeneca's globally leading expertise in oncology drug development and industry insights, along with Genetron's specialized diagnostic platform and lab testing capabilities, we look forward to jointly developing world-leading MRD products. This agreement marks the first step in what will be a long-term collaboration. Moving forward, we will continue to focus on developing more innovative diagnostic products and solutions for cancer patients."

About Genetron Holdings Limited Solid TumorsMRD Project and Mutation Capsule Original Technology

Genetron Holdings Limited's solid tumor MRD project is supported by its self-developed Mutation Capsule technology. The Mutation Capsule technology represents a breakthrough in liquid biopsy, featuring two innovative aspects: first, it can simultaneously capture and analyze gene mutations and methylation variation signals in a small amount of blood sample, significantly improving the sensitivity of early screening products; second, tumor-related gene mutations and epigenetic changes in cfDNA (cell-free DNA) samples can be preserved and amplified through the Mutation Capsule technology. Without affecting sensitivity, a single small sample can be used for up to ten tests, greatly saving time and cost. Additionally, Mutation Capsule can support low-depth whole-genome sequencing of cfDNA and enable methylation site screening, offering clinical diagnostic value.

About Genetron Holdings Limited

Genetron Holdings Limited (NASDAQ: GTH) is a global leading precision oncology company, focusing on cancer genomics research and applications. It is committed to transforming cancer diagnosis and treatment methods by leveraging advanced molecular biology and big data analysis capabilities. Genetron Holdings Limited has developed a comprehensive pipeline of products and services, covering the entire cancer care continuum from early screening to diagnosis and treatment recommendations, and then to monitoring and prognosis management. The company is also actively expanding more innovative application directions and scenarios for molecular testing technologies in collaboration with upstream and downstream partners in the industry chain. For more company information, please visit:https://www.genetronhealth.com。

Safe Harbor Statement

This press release contains forward-looking statements by Genetron Holdings Limited regarding its expectations, plans, and prospects, which are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements. These statements are made under the "safe harbor" provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks, uncertainties, and many factors that could cause actual results to differ significantly from those described in any forward-looking statements. Other phrases containing words such as "anticipate," "believe," "expect," "plan," and similar expressions also constitute forward-looking statements, including statements about the company’s plans, strategies, and timelines for developing personalized custom MRD testing for solid tumors in China in collaboration with AstraZeneca’s Global R&D Center China. More information about these and other risks and uncertainties can be found in the company's filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. All information provided in this press release should not be regarded as representing the company’s views as of any date subsequent to the issuance of this announcement. Genetron Holdings Limited anticipates that future events and developments will cause the company’s assumptions and expectations to change; however, except as required by applicable law, the company does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statements.