Lab21 launches diagnostic testing for lung cancer patients

Lab21 has launched a new companion diagnostic testing service for non-small cell lung cancer patients, to be operated from its laboratories in Cambridge.

The EML4-ALK companion diagnostic test for translocations in the ALK gene is designed to help clinicians identify patients most likely to respond to ALK inhibitor therapy.

Using proprietary PCR technology, the service will be made available to clients in the UK, Europe and Middle East, thus aiding efforts to advance personalised treatment for a serious condition.

This expands Lab21's growing oncology companion diagnostics portfolio, which also includes KRAS, EGFR and BRAF mutation analysis.

Graham Mullis, chief executive officer of Lab21, said: "Launching this new oncology diagnostic service will enable access to an important new class of drugs."

Last month, the company announced the acquisition of polymerase chain reaction technology from Cooperative Diagnostics, which will be used to develop further advances in companion diagnostics.