Horizon Discovery in Cambridge has unveiled a new cell line that enables broader-based and faster genetic testing of blood cancers.

The UK business is first to market with its Myeloid DNA Reference Standard which will bring routine testing into practice.

Horizon’s technology will deliver a cell line-derived reference standard containing 22 mutations across 19 genes that are commonly associated with myeloid cancer.

The discovery provides genetic testing laboratories and assay developers with a tool to effectively validate and optimizse myeloid genetic tests with DNA of known genotype which closely mimics the genomic DNA format and mutations present in real patient samples.

Horizon says the Myeloid DNA Reference Standard contains variants in more genes than most clinical material, enabling quality assurance goals to be reached faster.

Blood cancers have seen increased biomarker identification and associated targeted drug development in recent years, resulting in an increase in genetic testing of myeloid cancer, which attacks the blood and bone marrow.

There are now multiple pre-designed, multi-gene next generation sequencing  assays on the market in addition to custom-designed myeloid gene panels. Myeloid cancer has more associated actionable gene targets that can direct clinical treatment options than are available for solid tumours, meaning that high quality, accurate genetic diagnosis is vital to guide treatment of cancer patients.

The new reference standard fulfils the need for clinical testing labs and assay developers to access well-characterised, multigene multiplexed reference standards, says  Horizon’s CEO Terry Pizzie.

He said” “This is an exciting new launch for Horizon as it is the largest cell-line derived reference standard hitting the market that is focused exclusively on myeloid cancer.

“Horizon has successfully developed an extensive range of genetically defined, human genomic reference standards already, and the Myeloid DNA Reference Standard further demonstrates our commitment to providing the right tools our customers need to tackle the challenges of oncology genetic testing.”