NanoString and RikenGenesis Announce Partnership to Commercialize nCounter-Based Diagnostic Assays in Japan

On January 4, 2018 NanoString Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ:NSTG), a provider of life science tools for translational research and molecular diagnostic products, and Riken Genesis, a subsidiary of Sysmex Corporation (TOKYO, 6869), reported that they have entered into a partnership to introduce nCounter-based diagnostic assays in Japan (Press release, NanoString Technologies, JAN 4, 2018, View Source [SID1234522864]).

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Under this agreement, NanoString and Riken Genesis will collaborate to register, obtain reimbursement and commercialize companion diagnostic assays in Japan, including NanoString’s Lymphoma Subtyping Test which will be marketed as the nCounter Dx LymphMarkTM assay.

LymphMark is a 20-gene signature that classifies cell-of-origin subtypes of Diffuse Large B-cell Lymphoma (DLBCL) tumors. The initial indication for the LymphMark assay is expected to be a potential companion diagnostic to aid in identifying DLBCL patients for treatment. The LymphMark assay is based on the Lymph2Cx gene signature that was originally developed by the Lymphoma/Leukemia Molecular Profiling Project (LLMPP) and has demonstrated analytical robustness and potential clinical utility.

The LymphMark assay was used to select patients in a Phase III clinical trial. The LymphMark assay is being evaluated in more than 40 research studies that are being conducted with 23 companies.

"Through this collaboration, we will work closely with Riken Genesis to launch novel diagnostic products on the nCounter platform that have the potential to guide decision making in the Japanese oncology community," said Brad Gray, chief executive officer of NanoString.

"We are pleased to partner with NanoString to bring new highly multiplexed molecular assays to clinicians and patients in Japan," said Dr. Naoto Kondo, president and chief executive officer of Riken Genesis. "These innovative assays will be an important addition to our portfolio of diagnostic tests."