Launch of next generation sequencing service

The service is designed to support Almac’s BioPharma partners in the development of molecular tests for trial enrichment and companion diagnostic development, specifically focusing on targeted re-sequencing

Almac currently offer solutions using microarray, qPCR and IHC and the addition of the Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) platform fully complements this range of clinically focused diagnostic delivery platforms.

The group previously launched a service focusing on the analysis of Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) data and based on feedback from the market has decided to develop this service further to include data generation and to allow the delivery of NGS based assays.

Professor Paul Harkin, President and Managing Director of Almac’s Diagnostics business unit and Professor of Molecular Oncology at Queens University Belfast said:“There are only a limited number of platforms that are truly amenable to diagnostic delivery.

“The NGS field has now moved to a point where it is a viable delivery platform and as such is a logical addition to our suite of services. We have already begun the process of developing CLIA based assays for important mutations involved in drug response.”