NASHVILLE, Tenn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Insight Genetics, which has developed adiagnostic test that can more accurately determineifcertainlung cancer patients will respond to targeted therapies,has been selected by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) to participate in the Clinical Assay Development Program (CADP). The CADP is an initiative of NCIs Division ofCancerTreatment and Diagnosis, andaims to move promising assays from the research lab into clinical trials.

Insight Genetics Insight ALK Screenoffers comprehensivedata thatinformsa physician if a patients cancer is associated with anaplasticlymphoma kinase(ALK) and may respond toALK-inhibitortherapies, an emerging class of cancer treatments.ALK fusions and mutations have been shown to be a contributing cause in approximately 5-10 percent of lung cancers.

"As cancer treatment becomes increasingly targeted at the molecular level, the development of advanced diagnostics that can inform cancer diagnosis and therapy selection will be vital," saidChristopher Callaghan, President and COO of Insight Genetics. "Assays like our Insight ALK Screen are important advancements in this evolving cancer landscape. Weare extremely gratified tofurther this field and continueour relationship with NCIby participating in the CADP."

Insight ALK Screenis inexpensive, highly sensitive and well suited to handle largernumbers of specimensthan the ALK detection methods currently available. The PCR-based test willreducethefalse-negative call frequencyofALK status in tumors, which means more patients who may benefit from ALK inhibitor therapies will receive these targeted treatments.In addition,Insight ALK Screenprovidesrapid, unambiguous identification of the complete spectrum of oncogenic ALK fusion mutationsunachievable by more conventional PCR strategies.Its ease of use andrapid turnaround time will decreasethe time in whichphysicians and their patientsreceive information.

NCIthrough the CADPwill support Insight Genetics by providing servicesoftwoCLIA-certified labsthat willfurther validatethe assay,access toclinicalsamples, subject matter expertise,andstatistical consultation. This collaboration is the continuation of a successful relationship between NCI and Insight Genetics. In the last three years the molecular diagnostics company has been awarded four contracts from NCI for the development of companion diagnostics.

About Insight Genetics

Insight Genetics is a molecular diagnostics company focused on enabling precision medicine in cancer therapy. The companys companion diagnostics detect specific cancer biomarkers related to therapeutics that are currently in development or on the market. Insight partners with leading academic researchers, pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, clinical reference laboratories, and IVD kit manufacturers to provide new standards of care for cancer patients worldwide.www.insightgenetics.com

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Insight Genetics and National Cancer Institute Collaborate to Develop New Technologies for Clinical Trials

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