Pillar Biosciences, AstraZeneca Expand Partnership on Liquid Biopsy Cancer Testing to China

Original from: genomeweb

Pillar Biosciences and AstraZeneca said Monday that they are expanding their collaboration on liquid biopsy testing to include China. 

Under the terms of the deal, the partners will work to increase availability of plasma-based tumor profiling kits at leading clinical laboratories in China. They will collaborate with Shanghai Zhengu Biological Technology to support assay validation in local hospital labs and implement Pillar's panels. 

Financial and other terms were not disclosed.

In 2024, Pillar and AstraZeneca partnered on liquid biopsy testing in Europe.

Pillar's Core LBx panel covers 104 genes in cell-free tumor DNA while the Essential LBx panel covers 34 genes. Its Fusion LBx interrogates gene fusions in 18 cancer driver genes in cell-free tumor RNA.

AstraZeneca also has partnered with other firms offering liquid biopsy testing, including Sophia Genetics and Guardant Health.

Source: Pillar Biosciences, AstraZeneca Expand Partnership on Liquid Biopsy Cancer Testing to China