Interview with Chris Roberts from Protean's Joint Venture Aventa Genomics

 
 
 

Published by News Medical
Feb 16, 2024


Chris Roberts of Aventa Genomics, the joint venture between Protean and Arima Genomics was interviewed on the groundbreaking FusionPlus test. The FusionPlus test has a superior ability to detect gene fusions in cancer diagnostics and its pivotal role in advancing personalized oncology treatments.

An excerpt from the original article is posted below:


Could you give us a brief overview of Aventa Genomics, including its founding vision and primary mission in the field of genomics?

Many patients with cancer undergo testing to identify genomic variants that can be targeted by personalized cancer drugs. Unfortunately, traditional next-generation sequencing-based and FISH tests often miss gene fusions and rearrangements present in cancer that can a) resolve diagnostic dilemmas or b) be targeted with therapies on the market or in clinical trials. Aventa Genomics was founded to develop and commercialize 3D genomics-based tests to improve upon conventional methods.


Aventa Genomics is a joint venture between Arima Genomics and Protean BioDiagnostics. What synergies between these two companies led to the formation of Aventa Genomics, and how do these synergies drive the company’s innovation and research?

The two companies have complementary competencies. Arima Genomics is fundamentally a technology company, and Protean BioDiagnostics is a clinical laboratory testing company.

How does Aventa Genomics aim to transform patient care in oncology? What specific gaps in the current healthcare system is Aventa addressing with its technologies?

Aventa Genomics has commercialized the Aventa FusionPlus test, which enables any oncologist or pathologist, whether in a highly specialized comprehensive cancer center or a community hospital, to offer patients access to a genomic test able to identify gene fusions and other rearrangements that may be missed by conventional NGS and FISH tests.

Aventa FusionPlus is a genome-wide test and bioinformatically filters to report variants in 361 genes that are potentially actionable in solid tumors.

 
“Aventa FusionPlus is a genome-wide test and bioinformatically filters to report variants in 361 genes that are potentially actionable in solid tumors.”
— Chris Roberts, Aventa
 

How accessible is the Aventa FusionPlus test for physicians and patients? Are there any geographical or logistical limitations in its availability?

Oncologists and pathologists can order the Aventa FusionPlus test. We are pursuing reimbursement in the U.S. via Medicare and commercial insurance payers, akin to other genomic-based cancer tests. Test requisition forms are available at www.aventagenomics.com.  


How do you see the Aventa FusionPlus test contributing to the field of personalized medicine and improving patient outcomes?

We believe the test will be able to identify new biomarkers of response, as well as resistance, to on-market therapeutics. We also see this test as a mechanism to accelerate clinical trial enrollment due to the additional diagnostic yield of gene fusions and rearrangements.


What are the future goals for Aventa Genomics, and can we expect any new tests or technologies in the near future?

The Aventa FusionPlus test is indicated for solid tumors. We are in the process of developing a test for hematological malignancies.


For further information, please contact:

Anthony Magliocco MD
CEO & President of Protean BioDiagnostics

Email: info@proteanbiodx.com
Phone: 1 (813) 817 2042

About Protean BioDiagnostics

Protean is an innovative diagnostic company developing new approaches to improving precision medicine including inventing digital pathology tools to improve cancer screening and detection.

Protean MAPS™ is the only unique precision medicine system that provides easy access to advanced comprehensive laboratory diagnostic tests and easy to understand reports along with telemedicine support. Protean’s mission is to accelerate and bring optimized precision care to all cancer patients regardless of where they live.

About Aventa

Aventa Genomics, LLC, a joint venture between Arima Genomics, Inc. and Protean BioDiagnostics, Inc., is a CLIA certified lab committed to improving patient outcomes by using 3D Genomics tools to reveal druggable targets and resolve diagnostic dilemmas.

The company’s first laboratory developed test, the Aventa FusionPlus test, detects gene fusions, translocations and rearrangements across 361 genes in formalin-fixed, paraffin embedded (FFPE) tumor tissue. The Aventa FusionPlus test is available for ordering by physicians at www.aventagenomics.com.

 
 
Anthony Magliocco