OncoDNA, the healthcare technology company making precision medicine in oncology a reality, has announced the launch of the Molecular Diagnostic Innovation Partnership (MDIP) during a virtual panel discussion co-organised with Rutherford Diagnostics hosting experts from Macmillan Cancer Support, Aviva and Rutherford Health.
“We are excited to launch the Molecular Diagnostic Innovation Partnership in the UK. Molecular diagnostics has the potential to personalise treatment decisions and make therapy more effective for each cancer patient. With the MDIP, we aim to create a unique ecosystem to collaboratively harness the unexploited clinical benefits of molecular diagnostics”, says Philip Beer, UK Medical Director, OncoDNA.
In the framework of the launch of the MDIP, local experts representing oncologists, nursing, cancer care providers, as well as payors and patients came together to debate the challenges of embedding molecular diagnostics into routine clinical cancer care in the UK. The panel comprised:
- Philip Beer (UK Medical Director, OncoDNA) – Chair
- Karol Sikora (Chief Medical Officer, Rutherford Health plc)
- Dany Bell (Strategic Advisor Treatment, New Personalised Medicine and Genomics, Macmillan Cancer Support)
- Albert Forsey (Clinical Governance Manager, Health and Protection, Aviva)
From patient access and the reimbursement of molecular diagnostics tests, to patient enrollment in clinical trials and the slow translation of research into clinical care, the panel discussion covered a wide range of topics that served as a prelude to the conversations that are to be held within the Molecular Diagnostic Innovation Partnership.
Professor Karol Sikora, Chief Medical Officer, Rutherford Health plc, said: “We welcome the opportunity for Rutherford Diagnostics to join the MDIP community. Working in multi-stakeholder partnership to enable access to the most advanced diagnostics technology will help realise the promise of personalised cancer care and deliver better outcomes for cancer patients in the UK”.
“Within the MDIP community, everyone will be given a voice. Healthcare providers, payors, clinicians, nurses and patients will be invited to exchange opinions, share experience, learn, evolve and influence. Everyone, with no exception, is welcome to join the community ”, concludes Philip Beer, UK Medical Director, OncoDNA.
ABOUT ONCODNA
OncoDNA is a private, oncology-focused healthcare technology company that combines advanced, comprehensive testing of all clinically relevant cancer biomarkers (DNA, RNA and protein profiles) from both solid and liquid biopsies with a proprietary cancer treatment knowledge database called OncoKDO™ which continuously ‘learns’ from cutting-edge, validated, scientific and medical advances. This one-stop-shop analysis and interpretation service gives oncologists actionable results to enable the selection of treatments tailored to the individual patient’s cancer profile. For laboratories worldwide with NGS facilities who would like to reach the same level of expertise, we provide them with state-of-the-art interpretation software to improve their oncology-oriented analyses routine work. The software OncoKDM is a web-based tool that processes oncology raw NGS data to turn data into clinical insight such as treatment options or clinical trials. OncoDNA also works in collaboration with the biopharma industry to develop and deliver the treatments of tomorrow by assisting with design, enrolment and assessment of clinical trials as well as increasing access to approved precision medicines. The company is based in Gosselies, Belgium, employs approx. 50 employees in four countries, works with an international network of 35 distributors covering approx. 50 countries and is collaborating with a sub-contracted laboratory of 300 collaborators.
ABOUT RUTHERFORD HEALTH PLC
Rutherford Health plc is at the vanguard of advancing cancer care. Developing and building a network of oncology centres across the UK known as the Rutherford Cancer Centres, offering a comprehensive range of cancer treatments to patients.
As well as the Rutherford Cancer Centre South Wales, Rutherford Health plc (formerly known as Proton Partners International Limited) has opened three further centres in Northumberland, Thames Valley and Liverpool.
Rutherford Health plc was founded in 2015 by Mike Moran MBE and UK and international cancer experts, including Professor Edward Karol Sikora, former head of the World Health Organisation’s cancer programme.
ABOUT RUTHERFORD DIAGNOSTICS LTD
Rutherford Diagnostics Ltd, was established as a subsidiary of Rutherford Health plc to develop a network of advanced diagnostic centres across the UK to meet increasing demand for faster diagnosis. In addition, to providing services to NHS patients, Rutherford Diagnostics’ Centres and services will be available to private medical insurance and self-paying patients.
