Leading genetic testing startup Illumina has announced a strategic partnership with molecular diagnostic company Myriad Genetics to increase the reach and availability of oncology homologous recombination deficiency (HRD) testing across the US. 

Under the terms of the agreement, the Illumina TruSight Oncology 500 HRD (TSO HRD 500), a research-only test, is now available in the US. Additionally, the collaboration has formed a distinctive partnership for companion diagnostics (CDx) that will facilitate more gene-targeted therapy clinical studies within the pharmaceutical industry. Both companies will also seek joint HRD companion diagnostic partnerships with pharmaceutical companies worldwide (excluding Japan). 

The TSO HRD 500 is a test that combines Myriad’s MyChoice CDx HRD technology with Illumina’s TSO 500 pan-cancer test. It can detect important genetic mutations and HRD, which are crucial for understanding the growth and advancement of cancer. Tumors that contain high levels of DNA damage, like those found in ovarian, breast, prostate, and pancreatic cancers, have an HRD status that serves as a significant biomarker. 

The customers of TSO 500 will be provided TSO HRD 500 testing kits for distribution by Illumina and centralized laboratory service by Myriad. The product is currently available and ready to ship in the US.