Molecular diagnostics company Newgene is using the European Human Genetics Conference, 28-31 May in Amsterdam, to launch its genetics sequencing test service for hereditary breast cancer in Europe.
Newgene claims that the new test, to be presented at stand 360 in Hall 10, could see thousands of women being diagnosed with the genetic condition in around half the usual time and at around half the cost of conventional test methods.
The availability of the test throughout Europe is the latest move from the molecular diagnostic company.
Jointly owned by Newcastle Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and Newcastle University, Newgene claims to have pioneered the development, validation and commercial availability of a range of specialist clinical genetic tests using advanced gene sequencing platforms that have traditionally been restricted to medical research applications.
Use of technology including the Roche 454 GS-FLX Next Generation Sequencer and the Sequenom MALDI-TOF Mass Spectrometer has enabled Newgene to introduce a range of clinically important tests that are available to healthcare organisations throughout Europe.
In addition to the new hereditary breast cancer test, these also include a range of stratified medicine tumour marker tests for metastatic colon and lung cancers and haemato-oncology tests.
The latest gene sequencing process developed by Newgene identifies all mutations in the coding regions of two genes associated with inherited breast cancer, BRCA1 and BRCA2, and not only reduces the amount of time that women have to wait for their results but will cost much less to provide.
The breakthrough follows two years of test development work that has combined sequencing and genotyping technologies, Newgene's clinical experience and specially developed data analysis software that enables high-volume testing of gene sequences to be undertaken at a level not previously possible.
According to Newgene, the onset of hereditary breast cancer is usually at a much earlier age than other cases and the most frequent cause is a gene mutation that can be passed from one generation to the next.
The new breast cancer test has already been successfully used in gene testing work carried out for the Northern Genetics Services: an NHS clinical genetics service serving patients in England.
As a result, the availability of the new test to European healthcare providers will mean the earlier identification of family members at risk of developing breast cancer.
Newgene is also working in collaboration with UK NHS regional genetics services in Birmingham and London to offer conventional testing services for 50 hereditary diseases including colon cancer, various neuropathies, overgrowth syndromes such as Noonans and muscular dystrophies.
The availability of Newgene's clinical testing capability for European healthcare providers will form the focus of its presence at the European Human Genetics Conference being held in Amsterdam from 28-31 May.
