Contextual Genomics, a molecular diagnostics company developing genomic
based cancer tests, and the Personalized Medicine Initiative (PMI), an
organization bringing molecular-based medicine to Canadians, are pleased
to announce that Sanofi (EURONEXT: SAN and NYSE: SNY) is the latest
partner to join their National Access Project for Cancer Testing
consortium. As part of its commitment to the project, Sanofi will
provide a grant and technical expertise.
The project, launched in February, aims to match the genetic mutation
that led to cancer tumors for 2,000 patients across the country with
therapy options that are either currently available or in Phase 3
investigation. The goal is to equip oncologists with information on
their patients’ specific tumor types and the associated treatment
options, so they can make informed decisions leading to optimal health
outcomes.
“In a complex and evolving healthcare environment, the support of
industry partners such as Sanofi is important to helping advance the
unique work of the National Access Project for Cancer Testing and the
shift towards personalized medicine,” said Chris Wagner, President and
CEO, Contextual Genomics. “Our project aims to offer Canadians access to
high quality genomic cancer testing, regardless of where patients’ live,
to improve their cancer diagnosis, enhance health outcomes and bring
value to health systems.”
“Sanofi believes that it is vital to better understand the causes of
diseases in order to establish appropriate targets for prevention and
treatment,” claims Franca Mancino, Vice-President, Medical and
Regulatory Affairs, Sanofi Canada. “By investing in the National Access
Project for Cancer Testing, we can play an important role in fostering
disruptive and innovative solutions that ultimately offer faster access
to better care and help improve the management of patients’ health and
their wellbeing.”
The first Phase of the project is currently underway and is
retrospectively mapping tumors to identify the mutations for
approximately 500 patients. The results of the genetic mapping and
corresponding therapies will be shared with oncologists.
It is expected that Phase II of the National Access Project for Cancer
Testing will begin in the upcoming months. This second phase will
involve broadening the patient base to approximately 1,500 patients
across the country to prospectively evaluate and match specific tumor
types with approximately 40 therapy options. It is hoped that by
understanding a patient’s personal genomic profile, both healthcare
professional and patients will be better equipped to diagnose and treat
disease. The goal of personalized medicine is to improve patient
outcomes and reduce healthcare costs and adverse drug reactions.
About Contextual Genomics: www.contextualgenomics.com
Contextual
Genomics is a privately-held company developing a novel suite of
genomics-based cancer tests to identify a patient’s tumour profile. This
precision in cancer diagnosis allows healthcare professionals to more
accurately determine the most effective treatment options for the
patient. The company’s first products are actionable molecular tests
that guide diagnosis and treatment of cancer.
Led by global leaders in molecular diagnostics, genomics and
bioinformatics who have unparalleled expertise in genomic assay
development, Contextual Genomics aims to bring patients a gold standard
in molecular diagnostics that will lead to advanced services in
personalized cancer care.
About Personalized Medicine Initiative: www.the-pmi.com
The
PMI is an inclusive organization representing stakeholders in BC and
Canada that has the objective of bringing personalized,
molecularly-based medicine to Canadians with the aim of improving
healthcare outcomes and efficiency as well as enabling more effective
preventive health delivery. The PMI is based at the Life Sciences
Institute at UBC; Canada’s leading Life Sciences Institute.
About Sanofi Canada: www.sanofi.ca
Sanofi,
a global healthcare leader, discovers, develops and distributes
therapeutic solutions focused on patients’ needs. Sanofi has core
strengths in the field of healthcare with seven growth platforms:
diabetes solutions, human vaccines, innovative drugs, consumer
healthcare, emerging markets, animal health and the new Genzyme. Sanofi
is listed in Paris (EURONEXT: SAN) and in New York (NYSE: SNY).
Sanofi entities in Canada include Sanofi Canada (pharmaceuticals),
Sanofi Pasteur (vaccines), Sanofi Consumer Health (cosmeceuticals,
over-the-counter products and specialty care), Genzyme (rare diseases)
and Merial (animal health). Together they employ close to 1,700 people
across the country. In 2014, Sanofi companies invested $130.5 million in
R&D in Canada, creating jobs, business and opportunity throughout the
country.
Follow Sanofi Canada on Twitter @SanofiCanada
and on YouTube youtube.com/user/sanoficanada.
Copyright Business Wire 2015