LifeLabs is pleased to announce its new collaboration with Natera, Inc., (NASDAQ: NTRA), a global leader in cell-free DNA testing, to offer* personalized testing for cancer in Canada through Natera’s SignateraTM Residual Disease Test.
Signatera is a highly sensitive, personalized molecular residual disease assay (MRD) test developed by Natera for treatment monitoring and molecular residual disease (MRD) assessment in patients previously diagnosed with cancer. The test uses circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) and is personalized for each patient to help assess recurrence risk and help identify relapse up to two years earlier than current standard of care tools.
“At LifeLabs, it’s important to us that we continue to grow in a way that expands access to important health care services that support Canadians during difficult times such as cancer diagnosis,” said Lawrence Mahan, SVP of Commercial, Business and Consumer Markets for LifeLabs. “We look forward to working with Natera in offering this important service that also supports oncologists and surgeons in making precise clinical decisions regarding cancer treatment(s) that align to their patient’s clinical profile.”
Signatera testing involves two phases with pre-supplied collection kits. The first phase is an initial test that analyzes both a tumour tissue and blood sample, and the second phase involves subsequent blood tests on an as-needed basis. It is a safe, non-invasive way to monitor ctDNA levels to help physicians understand treatment efficacy and detect relapse without the inconvenience of repeated tissue biopsies and/or imaging.
“Management of cancer is a complex challenge and unique to each patient,” said Dr. Ronald Carter, Lab Director for LifeLabs Genetics. “Assessment of response to treatment is essential for evaluating treatment choices. Clinical trials of Signatera show that the test provides precise and informative measurement of residual disease for patients who are being treated for solid tumours. Personalized, highly sensitive assays that are based upon blood samples like Signatera help patients and clinicians manage treatment options while avoiding repeated invasive tissue biopsies.”
“We are pleased to expand our relationship with LifeLabs through this new collaboration, which will bring a powerful tool in cancer care to patients in Canada,” said Marin Markov, Senior Vice President of International Sales and Business Development at Natera. “The clinical utility of Signatera across cancer types has been validated by multiple studies, and we look forward to offering important insights to Canadians at various stages of their cancer journeys.”
Signatera will be available through LifeLabs in early 2023 across Canada. To join the waitlist and receive notification of its availability, visit LifeLabs Genetics’ website.
If you have any questions or need assistance, you can contact 1-844-363-4357 (press 0), or Ask.Genetics@LifeLabs.com.
About LifeLabs
LifeLabs is Canada’s leading provider of laboratory diagnostic information and digital health connectivity systems, enabling patients and healthcare practitioners to diagnose, treat, monitor, and prevent disease. We support 20 million patient visits annually and conduct over 100 million laboratory tests through leading edge technologies and our 6,500 talented and dedicated employees. We are a committed innovator in supporting Canadians to live healthier lives, operating Canada’s first commercial genetics lab, and the country’s largest online patient portal, with more than 5 million Canadians receiving their results online. LifeLabs has been named one of Canada’s Best Employers (2021 and 2022) and Best Employers for Diversity (2022) by Forbes and recognized for having an award-winning Mental Health Program from Benefits Canada. LifeLabs is 100% Canadian owned by OMERS Infrastructure, the infrastructure investment manager of one of Canada’s largest defined benefit pension plans. Learn more at lifelabs.com.
About Natera
Natera™ is a global leader in cell-free DNA testing, dedicated to oncology, women’s health, and organ health. Our aim is to make personalized genetic testing and diagnostics part of the standard of care to protect health and enable earlier and more targeted interventions that help lead to longer, healthier lives. Natera’s tests are validated by more than 100 peer-reviewed publications that demonstrate high accuracy. Natera operates ISO 13485-certified and CAP-accredited laboratories certified under the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) in Austin, Texas and San Carlos, California. For more information, visit www.natera.com.
*LifeLabs is in partnership with Natera to distribute and commercialize the Signatera molecular residual disease test in Canada. Natera conducts all sample testing and analysis.