FREMONT, Calif., Aug. 13, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Ultima Genomics, a developer of an innovative new ultra-high throughput sequencing architecture, today announced the addition of two industry leaders focused on driving operational excellence and commercial adoption. The appointments follow the strong uptake of Ultima's technology in clinical applications and will accelerate the Company's path towards expanded clinical utilization as well as support commercial efforts broadly. Chris Seipert. Lara Toerien

BURLINGTON, N.C., and FREMONT, Calif., July 29, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Labcorp (NYSE: LH), a global leader of innovative and comprehensive laboratory services, today announced an expanded collaboration with Ultima Genomics to utilize its UG 100TM sequencing solution and ppmSeqTM technology to explore new whole genome sequencing (WGS) clinical applications, including molecular residual disease (MRD) in patients with early-stage solid tumor cancers.Labcorp recently introduced Labcorp® Plasma Detect™, the first clinically validated, tumor-informed, WGS-based circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) MRD solution for research and investigational use. Labcorp intends to use Ultima's UG 100 platform and ppmSeq technology, which, combined with Plasma Detect, have demonstrated in preliminary data the ability to detect rare variants at extremely low limits, improved sensitivity and specificity, and more efficient, scalable and cost-effective workflows."By combining Labcorp's leadership, testing capabilities and expansive network with the accuracy, scalability and cost-effectiveness of Ultima's technology, we can help transform oncology testing for pathologists, oncologists and our biopharmaceutical partners," said Shakti Ramkissoon, M.D., Ph.D., MBA, vice president, medical lead for oncology at Labcorp. "Through this collaboration, Labcorp aims to drive increased efficiency, scalability and cost-effectiveness while improving access to affordable genetic testing in emerging areas with significant unmet need.""We look forward to expanding our collaboration with Labcorp to explore the use of our technology in the fast-growing clinical areas of MRD and clinical WGS," said Gilad Almogy, CEO of Ultima Genomics. "At Ultima, we developed our unique sequencing architecture to specifically meet the needs of large-scale applications. The ability to be accurate at extremely low limits of detection with our ppmSeq technology and extreme sequencing depth will be transformational for oncology testing and applications such as cell-free DNA."This relationship follows other strategic collaborations Labcorp has established to improve patient and provider access to and affordability for innovative technologies.About LabcorpLabcorp (NYSE: LH) is a global leader of innovative and comprehensive laboratory services that helps doctors, hospitals, pharmaceutical companies, researchers and patients make clear and confident decisions. We provide insights and advance science to improve health and improve lives through our unparalleled diagnostics and drug development laboratory capabilities

What You Should Know:– Hartwig Medical Foundation, a provider in using comprehensive genetic profiling to improve cancer treatment, and Ultima Genomics, a developer of groundbreaking next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology, announce a groundbreaking collaboration.– The strategic partnership aims to make whole genome sequencing, the most detailed form of genetic analysis, a more accessible and affordable tool in the fight against cancer.The Challenge: High Costs Limit TestingDespite advancements in NGS technology, the high cost often restricts its use in cancer testing, particularly whole genome sequencing. This limits the depth and frequency of testing, hindering the development of personalized treatment plans for cancer patients.Introducing Ultima’s UG 100 System and ppmSeq TechnologyUltima Genomics addresses this challenge with the UG 100 sequencing system and ppmSeq technology.UG 100 System: This innovative platform offers significantly lower sequencing costs compared to traditional technologies.This innovative platform offers significantly lower sequencing costs compared to traditional technologies. ppmSeq Technology: This unique technology delivers ultra-high accuracy for detecting single nucleotide variants (SNVs) in a patient’s genetic makeup.Benefits of the CollaborationBy combining these advancements, Hartwig and Ultima aim to:Increase Accessibility: Make whole genome-based cancer diagnostics more affordable for patients, enabling more informed treatment decisions.Make whole genome-based cancer diagnostics more affordable for patients, enabling more informed treatment decisions. Enhanced Monitoring: Enable more frequent monitoring of a patient’s cancer, allowing for timely adjustments to treatment plans.Enable more frequent monitoring of a patient’s cancer, allowing for timely adjustments to treatment plans. Minimal Residual Disease Detection: Explore the potential for using the UG 100 system to detect minimal residual disease (MRD) in a patient’s blood. MRD refers to the presence of a small number of cancer cells remaining after treatment.Collaboration for Future AdvancementsHartwig Medical Foundation plans to integrate the UG 100 system and ppmSeq technology into their routine diagnostic procedures, working with partner hospitals