Agilent Showcases Cancer Research Solutions at AACR 2026

On April 15, 2026 Agilent Technologies Inc. (NYSE: A) reported it will present new technologies, scientific collaborations, and integrated workflows supporting cancer research and diagnostics at the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) (Free AACR Whitepaper) Annual Meeting on April 17–22, 2026, in San Diego, California. At the meeting, Agilent will highlight advances designed to connect discovery research, translational science, and companion diagnostics development, reflecting the growing demand for more integrated approaches across the cancer research continuum.

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Among the technologies featured is the BioTek Cytation 9 cell imaging multimode reader, the newest addition to the Cytation series of cell imaging and multimode microplate readers. Cytation 9 is designed to support advanced live‑cell and endpoint assays by combining automated microscopy with conventional microplate reading in a single system, supporting a range of cell‑based research applications.

In addition, Agilent will provide an early preview of the upcoming AI‑enabled software enhancement for the xCELLigence RTCA eSight, designed to bring the same straightforward, objective data analysis long valued in impedance measurements to label‑free live‑cell imaging, while supporting more consistent, reproducible results.

AACR attendees are invited to join Agilent at the Exhibitor Spotlight Theater for a session titled "Direct Targeted Methylation Sequencing (dTMS) with SureSelect: Targeted Long‑Read Sequencing for Native Variant and Methylation Profiling in Oncology." The session will be presented by Andrew Jenkins, biotechnology research associate at Wasatch Biolabs, and will examine the use of targeted long‑read sequencing approaches in oncology research.

Agilent will also highlight its collaboration with Oxford Nanopore Technologies, demonstrating the compatibility of Agilent SureSelect target enrichment chemistry with ONT’s long-read sequencing platforms. By integrating SureSelect libraries into ONT sequencing workflows, researchers can pair hybrid-capture target enrichment with real-time, long-read sequencing to support applications such as target genomics, structural variant analysis, and methylation profiling.

Immediately preceding AACR (Free AACR Whitepaper) 2026, Agilent’s xCELLigence User Group Meeting will bring together the real-time cell analysis community to share best practices, applications, and real-world insights from functional cell-based research.

Agilent is continuing its collaboration with the AACR (Free AACR Whitepaper) Foundation following a virtual 5K fundraiser held in October 2025 that raised $15,000 and funded 14 Scholars-in-Training awards. Agilent representatives will meet scholars supported through this initiative at the AACR (Free AACR Whitepaper) Scholar‑in‑Training Award Reception and will promote the 5k fundraiser at the Agilent booth as part of its ongoing commitment to supporting early-career cancer researchers.

"At Agilent, our mission is to support advances in cancer research by providing integrated technologies and collaborative solutions," said Rita Shaknovich, chief medical officer at Agilent Technologies. "By delivering trusted answers, we aim to help researchers and clinicians make more informed decisions across the cancer research and care continuum."

Agilent will exhibit at booth No. 4527 and host additional scientific and networking events throughout the meeting.

(Press release, Agilent, APR 15, 2026, View Source [SID1234664418])

Tempus and Predicta Biosciences Announce Collaboration to Expand Life Sciences Access to Ultrasensitive Whole-Genome Sequencing Assay for Hematologic Malignancies and MRD Monitoring

On April 15, 2026 Tempus AI, Inc. (NASDAQ: TEM), a technology company leading the adoption of AI to advance precision medicine, and Predicta Biosciences, a precision oncology company developing novel diagnostic solutions for deep molecular characterization of hematologic malignancies with a focus on circulating tumor cells, reported the commercial expansion of a co-branded whole-genome sequencing (WGS) assay, currently known as GenoPredicta, intended for the comprehensive genomic characterization of hematologic malignancies and measurable residual disease (MRD) monitoring.

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GenoPredicta is an ultrasensitive assay that extracts deep genetic insights from peripheral blood or bone marrow. By integrating flow cytometry for precise tumor cell detection and enumeration with WGS, the assay delivers a comprehensive analysis of a cancer genome. It identifies genetic alterations (SNVs/indels, CNVs, SVs)—from as few as 50 tumor cells, corresponding to a sensitivity as low as one in a million cells—to aid in diagnosis, risk classification, and the identification of therapy resistance mechanisms. This sensitivity expands testing eligibility to cases with low tumor burden.

The assay is currently available to Tempus’ Life Sciences partners to support exploratory research and clinical development programs. The assay has been clinically validated in Multiple Myeloma and other plasma cell dyscrasias and is available for research use only across other indications. The technology powering the assay stems from the foundational work of Predicta scientific co-founder Dr. Irene Ghobrial, whose research redefined early detection and intervention in blood cancers.

"By joining forces with Tempus, we are delivering unprecedented sensitivity and clarity to researchers – enabling the potential for earlier detection, smarter treatment decisions, and a deeper understanding of disease biology from a single assay," said Brian McKernan, CEO of Predicta Biosciences. "This partnership with Tempus will help accelerate market adoption and the utility of our tests in order to optimize clinical trials."

"GenoPredicta offers a novel, unified solution for our life science partners and a comprehensive replacement for traditional, siloed testing," said Kate Sasser, PhD, Chief Scientific Officer at Tempus. "By consolidating flow cytometry, cytogenetics, and WGS into one ultrasensitive workflow, we can identify high-risk biomarkers and track clonal evolution from as few as 50 tumor cells. Crucially, because the assay delivers 100% concordance between peripheral blood and bone marrow, it can provide these deep insights while sparing patients from biopsies."

(Press release, Tempus, APR 15, 2026, View Source [SID1234664417])

Quanterix Debuts Content Innovation Engine at AACR 2026

On April 15, 2026 Quanterix Corporation (Nasdaq: QTRX) reported plans to debut its Content Innovation Engine at the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) (Free AACR Whitepaper) Annual Meeting 2026. Built on the integration of Akoya Biosciences’ spatial biology platform and Quanterix’s decades of ultra-sensitive, quantitative immunoassay development from the SIMOA technology, the Content Innovation Engine is organized around the hallmarks of cancer framework, giving researchers a systematic, biology-first approach to revealing more from every tissue section.

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It is supported by the end-to-end capabilities spatial biology needs to advance beyond discovery: world-class spatial instrumentation, and the assay design and reagent formulation expertise, quality systems, and manufacturing scale to support measurements that meet the requirements of translational and clinical applications.

"Spatial biology has fundamentally changed how we see cancer," said Everett Cunningham, President and CEO of Quanterix. "Akoya built a platform that gave researchers an entirely new way to study it. What Quanterix brings is the assay expertise, quality systems, and scale to carry that science further, into translational settings, into the clinic, into decisions that affect patients. The Content Innovation Engine is the first expression of what that combination makes possible."

IO60 Named Edison Award Finalist; Spike-In Module Deepens Immunotherapy Biology

The PhenoCode Discovery IO60 panel has been named a Finalist in the Edison Awards. At AACR (Free AACR Whitepaper), Quanterix will introduce a new IO60 Spike-In Module extending biological coverage into two high-priority areas: checkpoint therapy markers spanning PD-1/PD-L1, CTLA-4, and next-generation blockade; and tertiary lymphoid structure (TLS) markers, an emerging correlate of durable immunotherapy response.

ADC + IO: Combination Biology in a Single Tissue Section

New high-plex ADC content compatible with IO60 and PhenoCode Discovery panels on PhenoCycler-Fusion will enable co-measurement of ADC target expression and tumor immune contexture in a single tissue section. This addresses growing demand for combination biology readouts at the ADC-immunotherapy interface.

PhenoCode Molecular Barcoding Kit, Debuting at AACR (Free AACR Whitepaper), Early Access May 2026

Quanterix will introduce the PhenoCode Molecular Barcoding Kit at AACR (Free AACR Whitepaper), built on a new PhenoCode 2.0 chemistry. The kit enables researchers to barcode virtually any antibody of their choice with exceptional reliability and yield. Existing panels can be expanded into immuno-oncology, neuroscience, and beyond without adding complexity to the workflow. Early access begins May 2026. Attend the live in-booth presentation at Booth 2028 on April 20, 11:30 AM to 12:00 PM to learn more.

PhenoImager HT: Two New ADC Lung Cancer Panels, Available Now via Accelerator

The Accelerator Service Lab will present two new ADC lung cancer panels for PhenoImager HT at AACR (Free AACR Whitepaper). Building on the ADC breast cancer panel debut at AACR (Free AACR Whitepaper) 2025, both panels are available today as a fully managed service. Attend the live in-booth presentation at Booth 2028 on April 21, 11:30 AM to 11:45 AM for details.

Quanterix’s growing spatial biology community will also be represented at AACR (Free AACR Whitepaper) 2026, with 25+ posters from customers and collaborators presenting data generated on PhenoCycler-Fusion and PhenoImager HT across a range of cancer indications.

For more information visit: View Source

(Press release, Quanterix, APR 15, 2026, View Source [SID1234664416])

Opna Bio Announces Fast Track Designation Granted to OPN-6602 for the Treatment of Multiple Myeloma

On April 15, 2026 Opna Bio, a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery and development of novel oncology therapeutics, reported that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted Fast Track designation to OPN-6602, a dual EP300/CBP inhibitor, for the treatment of multiple myeloma (MM). The Fast Track designation applies to patients with relapsed/refractory MM who have received at least four prior lines of therapy.

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OPN-6602 is an oral, small molecule inhibitor of EP300 and CREB-binding protein (CBP) currently in a Phase 1 clinical trial evaluating safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics and preliminary clinical activity in patients with relapsed and/or refractory MM.

Multiple myeloma is a hematologic malignancy marked by the uncontrolled proliferation of plasma cells in the bone marrow, often leading to bone damage, kidney dysfunction and immune suppression. Despite therapeutic advances, most patients ultimately relapse or become refractory to available therapies, highlighting an unmet need for novel treatment options.

"Opna Bio has been a pioneer in the EP300/CBP inhibitor space and OPN-6602 was selected for its potency, selectivity, and optimized pharmacokinetic properties. We are encouraged by the progress of the study to date and look forward to reporting emerging clinical data at an upcoming scientific congress," said Reinaldo Diaz, chief executive officer of Opna Bio.

The FDA’s Fast Track designation is designed to facilitate development and expedite review of therapies addressing serious conditions with unmet need. It offers benefits including more frequent FDA interactions, potential eligibility for accelerated approval and priority review, and rolling NDA submission. OPN-6602 was previously granted Orphan Drug Designation by the FDA in January 2025.

(Press release, Opna Bio, APR 15, 2026, View Source [SID1234664415])

Nucleai and Sirona Dx Partner to Deliver an Integrated Spatial Proteomics Solution for Pharma Drug Development

On April 15, 2026 Nucleai, a leader in AI-powered spatial biology analytics, and Sirona Dx, a Technical CRO, specialized in spatial biology and single-cell services, reported a strategic partnership to deliver a fully integrated and scalable spatial proteomics solution for pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies.

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Spatial proteomics platforms are generating increasingly rich and complex tissue data, yet a significant portion of that data’s biological value remains unrealized. Critical insights, including novel spatial biomarkers, treatment response signatures, and patient stratification patterns, are often under extracted due to sub-optimal assay development and fragmentation across assay development, imaging, and analytics. As multiplex imaging technologies advance, the gap between data generation and actionable insight continues to widen, leaving substantial value unrealized.

This partnership introduces a premium, fully integrated offering for pharma sponsors, delivered as a single engagement unified across the entire workflow. Sirona Dx leads assay design, development, and validation to ensure high-quality image generation, while Nucleai delivers AI-powered spatial analytics from feature extraction through biomarker discovery and biological interpretation. Together, the companies provide a seamless end-to-end solution in which highest quality tissue data is connected directly to actionable biological insight.

"Until now, pharma teams haven’t had a seamless way to translate spatial proteomics data into actionable biological insight," said Avi Veidman, CEO of Nucleai. "Together with Sirona Dx, we’re delivering a single, integrated path from tissue data to meaningful biological insight — enabling more confident biomarker decisions and ultimately improving the probability of clinical success."

"Pharma sponsors are investing heavily in spatial biology and need solutions that match both the quality and complexity of their data," said Nasry Yassa, CEO of Sirona Dx. "Our partnership with Nucleai augments our capabilities to deliver fully integrated insight, providing a more seamless and effective model for supporting drug development programs."

The joint offering supports applications across oncology, immunology, and neuroscience, including biomarker discovery and validation, patient stratification, mechanism of action studies, and clinical trial biomarker programs.

The partnership, combining best-in-class experimental and analytical capabilities, is timed perfectly to meet growing demand from pharma sponsors for integrated spatial biology solutions.

(Press release, Nucleai, APR 15, 2026, View Source [SID1234664414])