Bayer and OrigiMed Collaborate to Develop NGS-Based CDx-IVD for NTRK Gene Fusion Detection in China

Shanghai, April 30, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Bayer and OrigiMed INC (hereinafter referred to as "OrigiMed") announced a collaboration to develop companion diagnostic-in vitro diagnostic (CDx-IVD) products based on next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology for the detection of NTRK gene fusions in the Chinese market. This collaboration will focus on developing companion diagnostics for larotrectinib in China. Larotrectinib was approved in the United States (2018) and Europe (2019).The World's FirstTRK inhibitors for the treatment of adult and pediatric patients with tumors harboring TRK gene fusions are currently in clinical development in China and multiple countries and regions worldwide.

“Larotrectinib, as the first therapeutic agent specifically designed for adult and pediatric patients with TRK gene fusion-positive tumors, has been approved in multiple countries and regions, including the United States and the European Union. It was also, at the time of its initial approval,”First“Compounds based on tumor driver factors (NTRK fusion genes) rather than the tissue of origin,” said Dr. Emmanuelle di Tomaso, Head of Oncology Precision Medicine at Bayer’s Oncology Strategic Business Unit. “Cancer treatment is currently undergoing a leapfrog transformation, and a new era of precision oncology is dawning. We have been committed to delivering innovative therapies, such as larotrectinib, with the aim of providing value to patients and their treating physicians worldwide.”

“As one of the first NGS companies in China to launch NTRK fusion gene testing, we are eager to join forces with Bayer to co-develop a companion diagnostic test for larotrectinib and jointly support its clinical trials in mainland China, thereby providing survival benefits to more patients,” said Dr. Wang Kai, CEO of OrigiMed INC. “There is also an urgent clinical need to determine through genetic testing and analysis whether tumor patients are suitable for larotrectinib treatment.”