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BOSTON - SOPHiA GENETICS (NASDAQ:SOPH) announced Monday an expanded collaboration with AstraZeneca (NASDAQ:AZN) to develop an optimized next-generation sequencing solution for improved detection of genetic mutations in breast and prostate cancer. AstraZeneca, a prominent player in the pharmaceutical industry with a market capitalization of $237.7 billion and impressive 15% revenue growth over the last twelve months, brings substantial resources to this partnership.
The partnership, announced at the World CB & CDx Summit in Boston, focuses on detecting mutations in the PIK3CA/AKT1/PTEN pathway, a key molecular signaling network linked to cancer development and treatment resistance.
According to the press release, the companies have developed a prototype that utilizes SOPHiA GENETICS’ AI algorithms to analyze the full PTEN gene, with early testing showing improved sensitivity in detecting complex mutations.
As part of the agreement, SOPHiA GENETICS will implement a Privileged Access Program with select clinical laboratories specializing in breast and prostate cancer research to validate the solution in real-world settings. Broader commercial availability is expected in 2026, alongside a multi-center study to further evaluate effectiveness.
"Each day brings new insights that transform our understanding of cancer," said Ross Muken, President of SOPHiA GENETICS, in the announcement.
The company’s global network will support adoption of advanced PIK3CA/AKT1/PTEN testing in both tissue and liquid biopsy samples, potentially expanding patient access to precision therapies.
This collaboration represents another step in the companies’ shared commitment to advance precision oncology and increase global access to genomic testing and targeted treatments, according to the statement.
SOPHiA GENETICS is a cloud-native healthcare technology company that develops AI solutions for analyzing complex genomic and multimodal data for cancer and rare disorders.
In other recent news, AstraZeneca has received a recommendation from the European Medicines Agency’s Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use for Koselugo to be approved in the European Union. This recommendation pertains to the treatment of symptomatic, inoperable plexiform neurofibromas in adults with neurofibromatosis type 1. The decision was based on the results of the KOMET Phase III trial, which demonstrated a significant response rate in patients treated with Koselugo. Additionally, AstraZeneca reported positive Phase III results for Saphnelo in a lupus trial, showing a meaningful reduction in disease activity when administered subcutaneously. This was confirmed by a pre-specified interim analysis of the TULIP-SC trial. Furthermore, Goldman Sachs has increased its price target for AstraZeneca, maintaining a Conviction Buy rating, due to the potential of its hypophosphatasia drug, efzimfotase alfa. However, AstraZeneca has paused a planned £200 million investment in its Cambridge research site, which would have created 1,000 jobs, as confirmed by a company spokesperson.
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