Pfizer and Thermo Fisher to expand NGS cancer testing in international markets
Pfizer and Thermo Fisher Scientific will collaborate to increase local access to next-generation sequencing (NGS) based cancer testing for lung and breast cancer patients in over 30 countries.
NEW YORK – May 9, 2023 – Pfizer Inc. and Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. have announced a collaboration aimed at expanding local access to next-generation sequencing (NGS) based testing for lung and breast cancer patients in more than 30 countries across Latin America, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia.
The partnership aims to address limitations in advanced genomic testing availability in these regions. By enabling local NGS testing, the companies expect to provide faster results to patients, empowering healthcare providers to select more tailored therapies based on individual tumor genetic profiles.
Cancer remains a leading cause of death globally, with lung and breast cancer being among the most diagnosed. NGS technology allows for the simultaneous analysis of multiple genes from a single tissue or blood sample, offering a faster and more comprehensive approach compared to traditional single-gene testing.
Thermo Fisher will identify and equip local laboratories with its NGS technology, ensuring necessary infrastructure and trained personnel. Pfizer will focus on enabling affordable patient access to these tests and raising awareness among healthcare providers about the benefits of advanced genomic testing. The companies will also explore expanding the collaboration geographically and to other cancer types.