Roche launches Cobas EGFR Mutation Test v2 in Europe

Roche has announced the launch of the Cobas EGFR Mutation Test v2, a new oncology assay, in Europe.

The CE Mark-approved device utilises either plasma or tumour tissue as a sample and identifies 42 mutations in the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) gene, the most of any in-vitro diagnostic offering on the market.

It can also be used as an aid in selecting eligible patients with non-small cell lung cancer for therapy with an EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor.

Since the test is validated with both tissue and plasma sample types, patients who previously did not qualify for biopsy now have the opportunity to receive a result from a simple plasma test to guide the corresponding therapy.

Roland Diggelmann, chief operating officer of Roche Diagnostics, said: "By investing in liquid biopsy research and developing the Cobas EGFR Mutation Test v2 for use with either plasma or tissue samples, Roche is helping to remove these common barriers from molecular testing."

This comes after the firm acquired GeneWEAVE BioSciences, a company focused on the development of innovative, clinical microbiology diagnostics solutions, last month.