Quest Diagnostics‘ subsidiary, Haystack Oncology, and Lisata Therapeutics, Inc. recently announced a research collaboration for using the Haystack MRD (minimal residual disease) technology. The partnership aims to detect the circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) in a clinical study evaluating certepetide plus chemotherapy as an investigational treatment for metastatic pancreatic cancer.
DGX completed the validation of the Haystack MRD test in March 2024. The Haystack MRD Early Experience Program has been oversubscribed, with nearly 20 leading cancer institutions as participants, paving the way for a nationwide launch of the clinical test later this year.
Exploring Lisata Therapeutics
As a clinical-stage pharmaceutical company, Lisata focuses on innovative therapies for advanced solid tumors and other major diseases. The company’s lead product candidate, certepetide, aims to activate a novel uptake pathway for anti-cancer drugs to penetrate solid tumors effectively.
With its CendR Platform Technology, Lisata has built notable commercial and R&D partnerships. Future clinical studies and business achievements are on the horizon, with capital expected to fund operations into early 2026.
Deep Dive Into The News
The FORTIFIDE study evaluates certepetide’s safety and efficacy in combination with standard-of-care treatment for metastatic pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (mPDAC) patients. Pancreatic cancer’s aggressive nature demands early therapeutic intervention, with mPDAC cases accounting for over 90% of diagnoses.
The research employs Haystack’s MRD technology to measure serum ctDNA levels for analyzing the early therapeutic effect of certepetide, a crucial step in driving novel treatments for solid tumor cancers.
Market Potential
According to a report, the global MRD testing market was valued at $1.2 billion in 2022 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 14% by 2027, driven by increasing cancer and hematological malignancies.
Noteworthy Collaborations in MRD Technology
Previously, Haystack Oncology partnered with TriSalus Life Sciences to provide molecular insights for TriSalus’ SD-101 clinical development. Quest Diagnostics also joined forces with Ultima Genomics to enhance its MRD capabilities for future clinical applications.
Performance Metrics
In the past year, DGX shares have seen a slight decline while the industry rose. Despite this, Quest Diagnostics maintains a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy).
Other notable stocks in the medical space, such as Globus Medical and Hims & Hers Health, showcase promising growth potential. Globus Medical’s strong performance and consistent earnings estimates position it as a top contender in the industry.
Overall, these collaborations and advancements in MRD technology signify significant progress in the field of cancer research and treatment, offering hope for patients worldwide.
