Personalis Selected for Clinical Research After Successful Evaluation of Whole Genome-Based Molecular Residual Disease Assay

March 07, 2023 at 08:55 AM EST

Company Will Explore Use of NeXT Personal® in AstraZeneca Trial

Personalis, Inc. (Nasdaq: PSNL), a leader in advanced genomics for precision oncology, today announced it will continue its collaboration with AstraZeneca (LSE/STO/Nasdaq: AZN), a global science-led biopharmaceutical company, to explore ultra-sensitive molecular residual disease (MRD) measurement, including clinically relevant and personalized variant tracking, for clinical research and drug development.

The two companies are collaborating to evaluate the sensitivity and specificity potential of whole-genome-informed circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) testing, while simultaneously detecting and quantifying clinically relevant mutations in ctDNA that may be used in the future to help guide therapy when cancer is detected. One trial, called CALLA, will investigate the role of ctDNA and HPV detection in plasma in locally advanced cervical cancer.

"Personalis designed NeXT Personal to provide ultra-high sensitivity and specificity for MRD detection. Our whole-genome, tumor-informed approach improves ctDNA measurement even when the plasma tumor fraction is exceptionally low, which is the case in multiple cancers with low mutational burden. We are pleased that AstraZeneca is prioritizing such sensitivity, with the aim of enabling earlier and more personalized interventions for patients," said Christopher Hall, President and CEO of Personalis.

As part of the collaboration, Personalis’ NeXT Personal assay for liquid biopsy will aim to provide ultra-sensitive measurement of MRD, on-treatment therapy resistance tracking, and better differentiation between responders and non-responders, as well as investigate the underlying mechanisms driving cancer.

About Personalis

At Personalis, we are transforming the active management of cancer through breakthrough personalized testing. We aim to drive a new paradigm for cancer management, guiding care from biopsy through the life of the patient. Our highly sensitive assays combine tumor-and-normal profiling with proprietary algorithms to deliver advanced insights even as cancer evolves over time. Our products are designed to detect minimal residual disease (MRD) and recurrence at the earliest timepoints, enable selection of targeted therapies based on ultra-comprehensive genomic profiling, and enhance biomarker strategy for drug development. Personalis is based in Fremont, California. To learn more, visit www.personalis.com and connect with us on LinkedIn and Twitter.

Personalis Forward-Looking Statements

All statements in this press release that are not historical are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of U.S. securities laws, including statements relating to attributes or advantages of NeXT Personal or the NeXT Platform, expected benefits of the company’s collaboration with AstraZeneca, Personalis’ business opportunities, leadership, plans or expectations, or other future events. Such forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from any anticipated results or expectations expressed or implied by such statements. Factors that could materially affect actual results can be found in Personalis’ filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including Personalis’ most recent reports on Forms 8-K, 10-K and 10-Q, and include those listed under the caption “Risk Factors.” Personalis disclaims any obligation to update such forward-looking statements.