THE WOODLANDS, Texas, Dec. 11, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Lexicon Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: LXRX), announced today that it has received Fast Track designation from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the development of LX9211 in diabetic peripheral neuropathic pain.
FRAMINGHAM, Mass., Dec. 11, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Arch Therapeutics, Inc. (OTCQB: ARTH) ("Arch" or the "Company"), developer of novel self-assembling wound care and biosurgical devices, announced today that it will be presenting at the 13th annual LD Micro Main Event investor conference. This investor conference will take place December 14-15, 2020, on the Sequire Virtual Events platform.
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Arch Therapeutics to Present at the 13th Annual LD Micro Main Event Conference
MONTREAL, Dec. 11, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ExCellThera Inc., a clinical-stage molecular medicine company delivering molecules and bioengineering solutions to expand stem and immune cells for therapeutic use, announced today that ECT-001 Cell Therapy has been granted PRIority MEdicines (PRIME) designation by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) for use in urgent allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplants.
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ExCellThera receives Priority Medicines (PRIME) designation from European Medicines Agency for ECT-001 Cell Therapy
MELBOURNE, Australia, Dec. 11, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Cynata Therapeutics Limited (ASX: “CYP”, “Cynata”, or the “Company”), a clinical-stage biotechnology company specialising in cell therapeutics, is pleased to announce a successful $15 million placement (“Placement”), led by a $10m investment from experienced healthcare investor BioScience Managers through the BioScience Managers Translation Fund I (BMTFI). BMTFI has a mandate to invest in Australian based innovative healthcare technology and this investment will allow Cynata to significantly expand its clinical development pipeline and scale their operations in Australia. The Placement is being undertaken at an offer price of $0.70 for each new share and will be followed by a 1 for 15 non-renounceable entitlement offer at the same offer price as the Placement.
Company announcement – No. 59 / 2020
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Financial calendar for Zealand Pharma in 2021
Successfully completed listing on US Nasdaq and raised over $150 million during recent IPO and preceding crossover round
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Galecto Reports Third Quarter 2020 Operating & Financial Results and Provides a Corporate Update
BOSTON, Dec. 11, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Rhythm Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq:RYTM), a biopharmaceutical company aimed at developing and commercializing therapies for the treatment of rare genetic diseases of obesity, today announced the appointments of Camille L. Bedrosian, M.D., and Lynn Tetrault, J.D., to its Board of Directors.
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Rhythm Pharmaceuticals Announces Appointments of Camille L. Bedrosian, M.D., and Lynn Tetrault, J.D., to its Board of Directors
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New sales reporting structure introduced. 2020 organic sales growth outlook now expected at 0%, from previously -2% to +2%
Soleno intends to submit plans to FDA to conduct further analyses of clinical data from completed and ongoing studies of DCCR, together with external, natural history studies Soleno intends to submit plans to FDA to conduct further analyses of clinical data from completed and ongoing studies of DCCR, together with external, natural history studies
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Soleno Therapeutics Provides Regulatory Update on DCCR for the Treatment of Prader-Willi Syndrome
– Immune Stimulation Augmented by +1,300% at 6-months Post-NPS Treatment –
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SELLAS Announces Positive Follow-up Data from the Randomized Phase 2 VADIS Trial of Nelipepimut-S (NPS) in Women with Ductal Carcinoma In-Situ of the...
CHMP recommends approval of Plavix® (clopidogrel) with aspirin in adults for certain types of strokes
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CHMP recommends approval of Plavix® (clopidogrel) with aspirin in adults for certain types of strokes
NEW YORK and LONDON, Dec. 11, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Akari Therapeutics, Plc (Nasdaq: AKTX), a late-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on innovative therapeutics to treat orphan autoimmune and inflammatory diseases where the complement and/or leukotriene systems are implicated, announces new data on the efficacy and safety profile of long-term self-administration of nomacopan for treatment of patients with PNH.
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Akari Therapeutics Announces New Clinical Data that Show Long-Term Self-Administered Nomacopan is Well-Tolerated and Substantially Reduces Transfusion...
NEW YORK and LONDON, Dec. 11, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Akari Therapeutics, Plc (Nasdaq: AKTX), a late-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on innovative therapeutics to treat orphan autoimmune and inflammatory diseases where complement (C5) and/or leukotriene (LTB4) systems are implicated, today announced financial results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2020, as well as recent clinical progress.
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Akari Therapeutics Reports Third Quarter 2020 Financial Results and Highlights Recent Clinical Progress
RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C., Dec. 11, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Asklepios BioPharmaceutical, Inc. (AskBio), a leading, clinical-stage adeno-associated virus (AAV) gene therapy company, today announced that its President and Chief Scientific Officer, Jude Samulski, PhD, has been honored as Triangle Business Journal’s (TBJ) 2020 Business Person of the Year.
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AskBio CSO Jude Samulski Named 2020 Business Person of the Year by Triangle Business Journal
NEW YORK, NY, Dec. 11, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- via NewMediaWire -- Tauriga Sciences, Inc. (OTCQB: TAUG) (“Tauriga” or the “Company”), a revenue generating, diversified life sciences company, with a proprietary line of functional “supplement” chewing gums (Flavors: Pomegranate, Blood Orange, Peach-Lemon, Pear Bellini, Mint, Black Currant) as well as two ongoing Biotechnology initiatives, today announced that it has commenced the development of a Vegan, Cannabidiol (“CBD”) infused Pet Food Treat (“Pet Treat”). The Company has contracted an industry expert to help with: formulations, specifications, designs, regulations, and certifications. The Company’s aim is to commercially launch its proposed Pet Treat product, during March 2021.
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Tauriga Sciences Inc. Commences Development of Vegan, CBD Infused Pet Treat
Exodus Effect CBD Oil is made of 100% natural ingredients that are specially formulated to alleviate pain. Find out yourself in our review. Exodus Effect CBD Oil is made of 100% natural ingredients that are specially formulated to alleviate pain. Find out yourself in our review.
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Exodus Effect Review - CBD Oil launched – Product Review by Mike Vaughn
TORONTO, Dec. 11, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Cronos Group Inc. (NASDAQ: CRON) (TSX: CRON) (“Cronos Group” or the “Company”), an innovative global cannabinoid company, today announced that Mike Gorenstein, Executive Chairman, will present at The Road Ahead, Preparation for 2021: MKM Partners Virtual Conference on Wednesday, December 16, 2020 at 12:30 p.m. EST.
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Cronos Group Inc. to Present at the MKM Partners Virtual Conference
Signals momentum in addressing social equity, tax and banking reform, and the widespread adoption of cannabis in the U.S. Signals momentum in addressing social equity, tax and banking reform, and the widespread adoption of cannabis in the U.S.
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Golden Leaf Holdings Applauds the Historic Passing of the MORE Act
WHIPPANY, N.J. & CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Bayer and Tempus, leaders in precision medicine and artificial intelligence (AI), announced a new collaboration designed to provide broader access to genomic testing and tailored treatment approaches for the oncology community. The collaboration will include an initiative to help facilitate patient identification for precision oncology by providing testing, via the Tempus xT broad-panel genomic sequencing assay, for a subset of patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC), as well as those with radioactive iodine refractory differentiated metastatic thyroid carcinoma (RAIR thyroid cancers). Looking ahead, Bayer and Tempus will continue to implement data-enriched initiatives dedicated to supporting patients.
Bayer's commitment to precision oncology is currently supported by its approach to research that prioritizes targets and pathways that impact the way cancer is treated. The Tempus xT broad-panel genomic sequencing assay is designed to detect actionable driver alterations, including BRAF, KRAS, RET, and NTRK gene fusions.1 NTRK gene fusions are genomic alterations that drive tumor growth regardless of where they originate in the body.2-4 These genomic alterations typically occur following DNA damage, which results in structural changes to the DNA either through biological changes or from environmental factors (e.g. ultraviolet light damage).2-4 During the DNA damage repair mechanism, the NTRK gene can fuse with an unrelated gene resulting in an altered TRK fusion protein, which causes a constant signaling cascade, driving tumor growth and its metastasis (progression).2-4 Studies suggest NTRK gene fusions are present in approximately 3% of patients with mCRC with prior high microsatellite instability (MSI-H) status and 2.4%-12% of patients with RAIR thyroid cancers.5-7
Testing early and utilizing comprehensive genomic profiling is critical, as it helps physicians understand the underlying driver of DNA alterations for tumor progression (growth).8,9 When actionable alterations are detected, they aid physicians in the treatment decisions appropriate for their patients.10 The Tempus xT broad-panel genomic sequencing assay detects these alterations by sequencing tumor samples with matched normal saliva or blood samples, when available, covering 648 genes.1 The test is used by many oncologists across a diverse set of clinical settings, including leading academic centers, NCI designated cancer centers, hospital networks and community hospitals.
Bayers strong focus in precision medicine combined with Tempus unique testing offering has culminated in this collaboration to bring genomic testing to cancer patients, said Bhavesh Ashar, Senior Vice President, Head of U.S. Oncology at Bayer. "We are excited for the potential of this initiative to identify patients who may benefit from tailored treatment options.
"This strategic collaboration aims to provide eligible colorectal and thyroid cancer patients with broad based access to our genomic test to help their physicians make treatment decisions," said Ryan Fukushima, Chief Operating Officer of Tempus.
Healthcare professionals with eligible patients from the above tumor types can receive additional information by learning more at Tempus.com/bayerprogram and contacting Tempus at support@tempus.com.
About Oncology at Bayer
Bayer is committed to delivering science for a better life by advancing a portfolio of innovative treatments. The oncology franchise at Bayer now expands to six marketed products and several other assets in various stages of clinical development. Together, these products reflect the companys approach to research, which prioritizes targets and pathways with the potential to impact the way that cancer is treated.
About Bayer
Bayer is a global enterprise with core competencies in the life science fields of health care and nutrition. Its products and services are designed to benefit people by supporting efforts to overcome the major challenges presented by a growing and aging global population. At the same time, the Group aims to increase its earning power and create value through innovation and growth. Bayer is committed to the principles of sustainable development, and the Bayer brand stands for trust, reliability and quality throughout the world. In fiscal 2019, the Group employed around 104,000 people and had sales of 43.5 billion euros. Capital expenditures amounted to 2.9 billion euros, R&D expenses to 5.3 billion euros. For more information, go to http://www.bayer.us.
About Tempus
Tempus is a technology company advancing precision medicine through the practical application of artificial intelligence in healthcare. With one of the worlds largest libraries of clinical and molecular data, and an operating system to make that data accessible and useful, Tempus enables physicians to make real-time, data-driven decisions to deliver personalized patient care and in parallel facilitates discovery, development and delivery of optimal therapeutics. The goal is for each patient to benefit from the treatment of others who came before by providing physicians with tools that learn as the company gathers more data. For more information, visit tempus.com.
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2020 Bayer
BAYER and the Bayer Cross are registered trademarks of Bayer.
Forward-Looking Statements
This release may contain forward-looking statements based on current assumptions and forecasts made by Bayer management. Various known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors could lead to material differences between the actual future results, financial situation, development or performance of the company and the estimates given here. These factors include those discussed in Bayers public reports which are available on the Bayer website at http://www.bayer.com. The company assumes no liability whatsoever to update these forward-looking statements or to conform them to future events or developments.
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References
PP-PF-ONC-US-1620-1
12/20
Identification of key oncogenic drivers and the development of targeted therapies with clinical activity in patients harboring actionable mutations have revolutionized the treatment paradigm in nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC), redirecting attention toward advances in biomarker testing methodologies. This new focus is poised to foster granular refinement of precise, targeted treatment of lung tumors.
Advances in NSCLC research have enabled an understanding of the disease as a collection of molecular subgroups. The proliferation of alteration-matched therapies specific to these subgroups is a prime example of a precision medicine approach. In addition to oncogenic driver mutations, therapeutic response biomarkers have been identified, such as PD-L1 expression as a predictor of immunotherapy efficacy.
Underscoring the importance of biomarker-guided treatment approaches, guidelines for molecular testing in NSCLC include an extensive list of alterations, such as sensitizing EGFR mutations and ALK gene fusions.1,2 The list continues to expand beyond these established canonical markers, with the addition of variants such as MET exon 14 skipping mutations and tumor mutational burden. In fact, the FDA recently approved therapies specific for tumors with these molecular characteristics.3,4
The rapid pace of biomarker discovery, characterization of molecular subtypes of NSCLC, development of matched targeted therapies, and regulatory approval of companion diagnostic tests has accelerated progress in the delivery of optimal care for patients with advanced NSCLC. Areas where continued optimization is particularly emphasized include determining which type of sample(s) should be tested, which biomarkers should be analyzed in different patient subsets, and which assays are most appropriate for specific (sets of) markers, as well as logistical and administrative factors, such as turnaround times and cost/reimbursement considerations.1,5,6
As biomarker testing in NSCLC evolves, investigators continue to evaluate testing approaches with the goal of standardizing the process of oncogenic driver identification.
At the 2020 Molecular Analysis for Precision Oncology (MAP) Virtual Congress, held October 9 to 10, 2020, presentations focused on recent developments in molecular testing, including the results of studies comparing testing methods for aberrations in the MET and NTRK genes.
MET Exon 14 Skipping
Gain-of-function alterations in MET, which encodes a receptor tyrosine kinase, drive oncogenesis. One such alteration with important implications for NSCLC is MET exon 14 skipping, resulting from several types of mutation in either exon 14 itself, the adjacent introns, or the flanking splice sites. Regardless, the effect is the same: a critical ubiquitination site is lost, which leads to MET protein accumulation and activation, enhancing MET pathway signal transduction and culminating in tumorigenesis. Previously, immunohistochemistry was typically performed to detect MET overexpression due to copy number changes. However, next-generation sequencing (NGS) is now the preferred testing method because it can also identify MET exon 14 skipping mutations, the primary driver of oncogenesis.7
MET exon 14 skipping mutations are actionable because the resultant protein is responsive to MET inhibition using tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) such as capmatinib (Tabrecta),7 which was approved in May 2020 for use in adult patients with metastatic NSCLC harboring a MET exon 14 skipping mutation.3 Compared with their sensitivity to specific TKIs, this subset of patients has exhibited lower rates of response to immunotherapy despite frequent tumor expression of PD-L1,8 suggesting a dual predictive role for the MET exon 14 skipping mutation as a biomarker.
In a study presented at MAP 2020, tumor samples from patients with NSCLC and no other driver mutations were tested for MET exon 14 skipping mutations over a period of 14 months. The investigators compared 2 DNA-based methods: NGS on the Ion Proton platform using AmpliSeq technology and fragment analysis using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and size-based electrophoretic separation of the amplicons for detection of large deletions.9
Of the 87 patient samples tested, 13 were determined to have a MET exon 14 skipping alteration, with 5 harboring splice variants and 8 carrying deletions affecting the splice site. Two of these deletions were large, spanning 41 and 66 base pairs; they were detected by fragment analysis but not NGS. Although NGS is widely considered superior to single-gene assays, these data indicate that it may have limitations in detecting specific alterations and that complementary methods or large-coverage intron screening could be an alternative for optimal detection of MET alterations to inform selection of first-line treatment, according to lead study author Romain Loyaux, from the Molecular Oncology Department of Georges-Pompidou European HospitalAPHP in Paris, France.
Commenting on the failure of the NGS assay to detect large MET exon 14 deletions, Loyaux stated that fragment analysis is a cheap and robust method to detect large deletions, especially when no RNA is available (FIGURE).9-11 He noted that anchored, multiplex, targeted RNA-based NGS, like the technology developed by the Archer company, may be a good alternative when RNA is available; however, it has a 20% failure rate.12
NTRK Fusion Detection
Fusions involving the NTRK genes, which encode a family of receptor tyrosine kinases, result in a constitutively activated chimeric protein that promotes oncogenesis and therefore, can be therapeutically targeted with TKIs.7 Two FDA-approved TKIs, entrectinib (Rozlytrek) and larotrectinib (Vitrakvi), have activity in NTRK fusionpositive solid tumors.13,14
Broad, hybrid-capture DNA-based NGS, with RNA-based anchored multiplex PCR as an adjunct, are currently the primary methods of detecting NTRK gene fusions in patients with lung cancer.7 The availability of entrectinib and larotrectinib will likely foster further development of NTRK fusion detection methods for use in routine clinical practice.
A recent study presented at MAP 2020 evaluated the analytical performancenamely, sensitivity, specificity, and precisionof 3 commonly available RNA-based NGS assays. The assays examined were TruSight Oncology 500 (TSO500) by Illumina, Oncomine Focus Assay (OFA) by Thermo Fisher Scientific, and Fusion- Plex Lung (AFL) by Archer.15
The limits of sensitivity and precision were assessed using droplet digital PCR with admixtures of both NTRK fusionpositive and negative samples, whereas specificity was evaluated using NTRK fusionnegative clinical samples. The data showed that all 3 NGS assays successfully detected NTRK fusions; however, technical differences between the assays may impact their performance. For instance, although all tested assays demonstrated strong specificity, the sample metrics were variable. Quality control (QC) success rates for OFA and TSO500 were 83% and 77%, respectively, but only 43% of samples on AFL passed all assay QC metrics. Notably, the different assays missed specific NTRK fusions; OFA failed to detect NTRK1-LMNA, NTRK1-TFG, and NTRK2- PAN3, and TSO500 failed to report NTRK3-ETV6 (E5N14) and NTRK3-ETV6 (E5N15).15
Clinical Utility of NGS Panels of Different Sizes
It has been established that multigene panels are superior to single-gene assays for biomarker testing in NSCLC2; however, data to inform clinicians selection of specific NGS gene panels have been lacking.
In a recent study presented at MAP 2020, a literature review was conducted to compare 2 commercially available DNA-based NGS gene panels: the Ion AmpliSeq Cancer Hotspot Panel, covering hotspots in 50 genes (Panel 50); and the FoundationOne panel, covering the complete exons of 315 genes (Panel 315). The clinical utility of each panel was determined based on the number of detectable actionable alterations in various solid tumor types that it contained. The data showed a substantial gain in actionability using the larger gene panel, which matched more actionable genetic mutations to FDA-approved or experimental drugs; the number of actionable alterations in various solid tumor types using Panel 315 was a median 50% higher compared with Panel 50 (t test, P <.001). The authors attributed this gain to the inclusion of more genes related to homologous recombination repair deficiency and microsatellite instability/immunotherapy response in the larger panel.16
In the current era of precision medicine in lung cancer, defined histological subtyping, oncogenic driver testing, and analysis of tumor PD-L1 expression/immunotherapy sensitivity are crucial steps prior to therapeutic decision-making in NSCLC. As additional targeted agents are investigated in clinical trials and the incidence of their molecular targets are characterized in patient populations, expanded molecular testing may become necessary.
Molecular pathologists will continue to play an integral role in the continuum of care in NSCLC, from diagnosis to clinical decision-making based on biomarker detection. Molecular testing is likely to expand rapidly, and additional molecular subtypes will be identified that help match more patients with the optimal targeted therapies, providing highly personalized treatment plans.
Details of analytical procedures and assays will continue to be refined.17 By combining defined sets of biomarkers with appropriate protocols for collecting NSCLC samples and optimized methods for assessing specific changes, clinicians will be able to actualize the promise of precision medicine for patients with this challenging malignancy.
References:
1. Lindeman NI, Cagle PT, Aisner DL, et al. Updated molecular testing guideline for the selection of lung cancer patients for treatment with targeted tyrosine kinase inhibitors: guideline from the College of American Pathologists, the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer, and the Association for Molecular Pathology. Arch Pathol Lab Med. 2018;142(3):321-346. doi:10.5858/arpa.2017-0388-CP
2. NCCN. Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology. Non-small cell lung cancer, version 8.2020. Accessed October 26, 2020. https://bit.ly/2TKomAj
3. FDA grants accelerated approval to capmatinib for metastatic nonsmall cell lung cancer. FDA. May 6, 2020. Accessed November 2, 2020. https://bit.ly/360o7Xg
4. FDA approves pembrolizumab for adults and children with TMB-H solid tumors. FDA. June 16, 2020. Accessed November 2, 2020. https://bit.ly/2HWB64q
5. Smeltzer MP, Wynes MW, Lantuejoul S, et al. The International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer global survey on molecular testing in lung cancer. J Thorac Oncol. 2020;15(9):1434-1448. doi:10.1016/j.jtho.2020.05.002
6. Wempe MM, Stewart MD, Glass D, et al. A national assessment of diagnostic test use for patients with advanced NSCLC and factors influencing physician decision-making. Am Health Drug Benefits. 2020;13(3):110-119
7. Sabari JK, Santini F, Bergagnini I, Lai WV, Arbour KC, Drilon A. Changing the therapeutic landscape in non-small cell lung cancers: the evolution of comprehensive molecular profiling improves access to therapy. Curr Oncol Rep. 2017;19(4):24. doi:10.1007/s11912-017-0587-4
8. Sabari JK, Montecalvo J, Chen R, et al. PD-L1 expression and response to immunotherapy in patients with MET exon 14-altered non-small cell lung cancers (NSCLC). J Clin Oncol. 2017;35(suppl 15):8512. doi:10.1200/JCO.2017.35.15_suppl.8512
9. Loyaux R, Blons H, Garinet S, Urban P, Leger C, Bastide M. MET exon 14 screening strategy: how not to miss large deletions. Ann Oncol. 2020;31(suppl 5): S1217-S1239. doi:10.1016/j.annonc.2020.08.2163
10. Pruis MA, Geurts-Giele WRR, von der TJH, et al. Highly accurate DNAbased detection and treatment results of MET exon 14 skipping mutations in lung cancer. Lung Cancer. 2020;140:46-54. doi:10.1016/j.lungcan.2019.11.010
11. Davies KD, Lomboy A, Lawrence CA, et al. DNA-based versus RNAbased detection of MET exon 14 skipping events in lung cancer. J Thorac Oncol. 2019;14(4):737-741. doi:10.1016/j.jtho.2018.12.020
12. Cohen D, Hondelink LM, Solleveld-Westerink N, et al. Optimizing mutation and fusion detection in NSCLC by sequential DNA and RNA sequencing. J Thorac Oncol. 2020;15(6):1000-1014. doi:10.1016/j.jtho.2020.01.019
13. FDA approves entrectinib for NTRK solid tumors and ROS-1 NSCLC. FDA. Published August 15, 2019. Accessed October 28, 2020. https://bit.ly/3mPhUEB
14. FDA approves larotrectinib for solid tumors with NTRK gene fusions. FDA. Published November 26, 2018. Accessed October 28, 2020. https://bit.ly/381dXZe
15. Bormann Chung C, Lee J, Barritault M, et al. Evaluating targeted next-generation sequencing (NGS) assays and reference materials for NTRK fusion detection. Ann Oncol. 2020;31(suppl 5):S1221. doi:10.1016/j.annonc.2020.08.2172
16. zdemir B, Charrier M, Gerard CL, et al. Comparison of the clinical utility of two different size next generation sequencing (NGS) gene panels for solid tumours. Ann Oncol. 2020;31(suppl 5):S1219. doi:10.1016/j.annonc.2020.08.2166
17. Pennell NA, Arcila ME, Gandara DR, West H. Biomarker testing for patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer: real-world issues and tough choices. Am Soc Clin Oncol Educ Book. 2019;39:531-542. doi:10.1200/EDBK_237863
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Increased Attention on Testing for Oncogenic Drivers in NSCLC Advances the Promise of Precision Medicine - Targeted Oncology