AutoGenomics launches expanded test panel to detect 17 B-RAF mutations

AutoGenomicsFeb 24 2010

AutoGenomics, a leader in providing automated, molecular testing solutions announced today that it has launched an expanded test panel to detect 17 B-RAF mutations for research use to enhance the understanding of B-RAF mutations.

The featured four-part series in The New York Times, this week focuses on the importance of B-RAF mutations and the next generation of cancer therapies. "We congratulate Plexxikon and Roche on the dramatic success of their compound PLX-4032, a novel treatment for melanoma and other cancers harboring the V600E mutation of the B-RAF kinase gene," said Robert Cole, M.D., Chief Medical Officer at AutoGenomics.

Melanoma is the most serious type of skin cancer with about 70,000 new melanoma cases diagnosed every year in the USA and about 160,000 worldwide. When diagnosed early melanoma is curable, however advanced stage disease has carried a poor prognosis up to now.