Pfizer and Thermo Fisher Scientific partner to bring accessible NGS-based testing to international markets

The collaboration between the pharmaceutical giant and scientific technology provider will aim to bring rapid and localised services to areas around the globe that lack affordable advanced genomic testing for breast and lung cancer.

As the leading cause of death around the world and nearly 10 million deaths attributed to the disease in 2020, breast and lung cancer are the leading types of diagnosed cancer. The global burden, both economic and social, is expected to reach 27.5 million new cases in 2040 and 16.3 million deaths. While gene testing has historically been used to match patients with the appropriate targeted therapies, the standard single-gene biomarker testing can be time-consuming, with sequential tests and enough tissue and organic material to run each test. NGS technology provides healthcare professionals and clinical trial teams with rapid genomic information to make informed precision oncology treatment decisions. Some decisions can affect the survival rate and time-to-next treatment, so it is crucial to identify actionable treatments from rapid molecular testing to make informed treatment decisions. 

Gianluca Pettiti, Executive VP at Thermo Fisher Scientific, commented: “Anyone facing a cancer diagnosis should have access to cutting-edge testing that can match them with an appropriate, optimised treatment plan and better inform their care. Today, we aim to bring rapid NGS testing to an increased number of decentralised labs, closer to where patients are treated. We are moving one step closer to delivering precision insights to underserved patients so they can receive a more tailored path for their care no matter where they are in the world.” 

The agreement will see Thermo Fisher identifying local labs that can house the organisation’s NGS technology with the necessary infrastructure, skilled staff and staff training, and quality control methods that meet industry standards for NGS testing for breast and lung cancer. Pfizer, under the collaboration, will be responsible for exploring different avenues of affordable patient access to NGS testing for breast and lung cancer. Promotion of healthcare provider awareness regarding advanced testing and the need for such tests will be a main priority for Pfizer, and the partnership will continuously evaluate new opportunities to expand both geographically and to testing for other types of cancers. 

Pfizer’s Global President of Emerging Markets Nick Lagunowich stated: “The more we understand the complex science behind cancer, the better we can treat it. Our experience has taught us that cancer cannot always be treated with a broad brush and often requires an individualised approach based on precise disease characteristics. In many parts of the world, access to next-generation sequencing may be limited or unaffordable for cancer patients. This program aims to improve their treatment journey and help increase their chances for improved outcomes.” 

Source: Thermo Fisher Scientific & Pfizer Partner to Expand Localized Access to Next-Generation Sequencing-Based Testing for Cancer Patients in International Markets [Accessed May 10, 2023] https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230509005516/en/Thermo-Fisher-Scientific-Pfizer-Partner-to-Expand-Localized-Access-to-Next-Generation-Sequencing-Based-Testing-for-Cancer-Patients-in-International-Markets%C2%A0