Market launch of Biocartis‘ diagnostic platform is on the horizon

Idylla is Biocartis’ commercial brand name for the fully integrated molecular diagnostic platform, which analyses clinical samples accurately, fast and easily. It gives short shrift to today's time-consuming molecular testing processes. Idylla will provide a direct access to a wide array of tests in various diagnostic areas. Biocartis is currently developing tests primarily in the field of oncology.

In collaboration with the world-renowned American MD Anderson Cancer Center, Idylla was used in a comparative study that included various tumour types, for the presence of the BRAF cancer gene.

Dr Janku from MD Anderson and Biocartis presented the results from this study at the international congress of the American Association for Cancer Research AACR-NCI-EORTC (Molecular Targets and Cancer Therapeutics). At this conference, the latest innovations in cancer diagnosis are presented to a large delegation of cancer experts from both the research and clinical/pharmaceutical world. The study was also selected by AACR as one of three studies presented at the AACR press conference today.

Idylla simply and rapidly detects mutations and shows a much higher sensitivity as compared to standard diagnostic assays and standard sequencing, thereby eliminating the need for dissection of the tumor region. These technologies are available in highly specialised laboratories, where the process from sample to result can take several weeks, whilst Idylla yields a reportable result in 35-90 minutes, depending on the test.

Idylla and the BRAF test will be marketed by Biocartis. The launch of the platform and the BRAF assay in Europe is expected in the second half of 2014.