Horizon Discovery (LSE: HZD), a global leader in gene editing and gene modulation technologies, announces the launch of OncoSpan, a novel cell line-derived multiplex DNA Reference Standard to support the validation of Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) assays.

OncoSpan, the world’s largest multiplexed oncology control, featuring 385 variants across 152 key cancer genes, has been specially designed using bioinformatics and droplet digital PCR, to help drive faster, easier, and more complete validation of oncology gene panels and exome sequencing assays. Horizon’s expert team has extensively characterized the background genome of OncoSpan using high coverage exome sequencing, which is provided to customers as batch-specific exome sequence data.

Horizon is, for the first time, also offering an online companion NGS QC solution called OncoMatic, developed in partnership with Euformatics to support the large amount of data generated through OncoSpan.  Access to OncoMatic will be provided free-of-charge to all OncoSpan customers. The platform enables customers to upload OncoSpan NGS data after sequencing, automatically assessing the called variants, reporting on variant frequency data, and tracking several different quality metrics per sample. 

The combination of OncoSpan and OncoMatic thereby provide access to the most accurate Reference Standard truth set for use during the establishment and validation of critical NGS bioinformatics pipelines, saving costs and helping to maintain compliance with standards such as those set by the College of American Pathology (CAP) and EuroGentest.

“Horizon has an established leadership position in the development of genetically defined reference standard materials, drawing on our distinctive ability to drive innovation, both internally and industry-wide,” commentedDr. Darrin M Disley, CEO of Horizon Discovery Group plc: “The development of large-scale, commutable Reference Standards for oncology, such as OncoSpan, along with the companion QC tool OncoMatic, will ultimately benefit patients through further enabling the development of personalized therapy solutions. Euformatics has proven to be the ideal partner for this project, and we look forward to collaborating with them on similar ventures in the future.”

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