Insight Genetics: Oncocyte Closes Merger Agreement to Acquire Insight Genetics

Acquisition broadens suite of molecular diagnostic tests to include potentially transformative immunotherapy response prediction test demonstrated to outperform PD-L1 and TMBEnables significant pharma services opportunity including immunotherapy trials and development of companion diagnostics in lung cancer and other solid tumorsIRVINE, Calif., Feb. 05, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Oncocyte Corporation (NYSE:OCX), a molecular diagnostics company with a mission to provide actionable answers at critical decision points across the cancer care continuum, today announced that it has closed its previously announced merger agreement with Insight Genetics (IG). The acquisition expands the decision points addressed by Oncocyte's portfolio of tests with the addition of a potentially transformative immuno-oncology diagnostic test and will also add diverse technology and pharma service offerings including targeted therapeutic panels and a pharma trial lab compliant with 21 C.F.R Parts 820 and 11."The Insight Genetics' IM Score test was an ideal addition to the Oncocyte portfolio, and while our current focus is on lung cancer, this acquisition significantly expands our suite of proprietary tests to manage key decision points potentially across multiple stages and types of cancers," said Ron Andrews, CEO of Oncocyte. "With immunotherapies currently approved for thirteen solid tumors and additional clinical trials in progress to advance these treatments to earlier stages of cancer, there is a growing need for accurate immunotherapy response prediction tests. Data presented at SITC in November show our new IM Score test outperforms two currently marketed tests for immunotherapy selection suggesting this may be a transformative test to identify immunotherapy responders. This acquisition is an important step in the evolution of Oncocyte as it not only expands our impact to a broader patient population but also provides us access to a CLIA certified lab with the certifications required to submit data to regulatory agencies around the world. Having the ability to truly partner with pharma companies and assist in their global regulatory approvals will help us grow significant new opportunities for pharma services ...Full story available on Benzinga.com