Illumina launches research only cancer genomic test co-developed with Merck
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Illumina (NASDAQ:ILMN) announced on Wednesday the launch of TruSight Oncology 500, a next-generation sequencing (NGS)âbased assay jointly-developed with Merck (MRK) to unlock insights about the tumor genome.
TruSight Oncology 500 is designed to identify genetic mutations used in the evaluation of homologous recombination deficiency (HRD), a genomic signal used to describe the inability of cells to repair double-stranded DNA breaks which could lead to tumor formation.

The research-use-only product combines HRD technology from the genetic test maker, Myriad Genetics (MYGN), and the NGS technology from Illumina (ILMN).
"With one sample and one test, TruSight Oncology 500 HRD assay provides labs with comprehensive, accurate, sensitive results that can greatly enhance our understanding of the genomic nature of a tumor," remarked Phil Febbo, chief medical officer at Illumina (ILMN).
The test will be available globally except in the U.S. and Japan, with shipments expected to begin in August.

Read: Why Illumina (ILMN) hit a 52-week low early this month.