NEW YORK – Sonic Healthcare USA said on Tuesday it has expanded its license for the ThyroSeq Genomic Classifier, signing a new 15-year exclusive agreement with the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, the test's developer.
Under the expanded agreement, the test, which aids in the management of thyroid nodules of indeterminate cytology, will become available through all of Sonic's clinical labs and anatomic pathology practices in the US. Previously, the company has offered the test only through its CBLPath division.
The ThyroSeq Genomic Classifier uses next-generation sequencing to analyze DNA and RNA collected via fine needle aspiration to distinguish between benign and malignant thyroid nodules in patients with indeterminate cytology reports.
"As a company at the forefront of diagnostic medicine, the addition of ThyroSeq to our robust cytology and molecular services throughout the United States aligns itself well with our continued focus and emphasis on advancing innovations to deliver high-quality patient care," Jerry Hussong, CEO of Sonic Healthcare USA, said in a statement. "The ThyroSeq test can help avoid costly diagnostic thyroid surgery by distinguishing between benign and cancerous thyroid nodules and is also validated for cytology smears, which is especially important when a dedicated sample is not collected for molecular testing."
"We are very pleased to solidify our partnership with Sonic Healthcare, facilitating the expansion of patient and physician access to ThyroSeq," said Yuri Nikiforov, vice chair of the department of pathology and director of molecular genomic pathology at UPMC. "Sonic's extensive federation of clinical laboratories and anatomic pathology practices coupled with the recent expansion of validated acceptable sample types will enable more patients to benefit from ThyroSeq testing."
Financial and other terms of the deal were not disclosed.