Irvine, California-based Genomic Testing Cooperative (GTC) said recently it is collaborating with C2i Genomics to develop liquid biopsy tests for solid tumor staging and monitoring.

GTC will sequence samples and help with technical and clinical validation, while C2I will be responsible for artificial intelligence-based analysis of data, recruitment of samples, and various clinical trial activities. 

GTC will adapt and distribute New York-based C2i's tools, which uses AI-based pattern recognition of whole-genome sequencing of cell-free DNA, to its Co-op members after the partners complete technical and clinical validation. 

The group will apply GTC's technology for personalized monitoring of patients with an initial focus on lung, colon, and breast cancer, and melanoma. 

Financial and other details of the agreement were not disclosed. 

"Using our liquid biopsy approach to more sensitively and accurately stage and monitor patients with early-stage cancer addresses an unmet need, and we believe that the extensive experience of the team at GTC in developing and validating new clinically actionable tests will significantly accelerate bringing this innovation to patient care," C2i Genomics CEO Asaf Zviran said in a statement. 

 "We believe that broad whole-genome pattern recognition of genomic abnormalities is a reliable approach for cancer patient staging and monitoring," GTC CEO Maher Albitar added. "Working on the clinical development of this type of testing with C2i Genomics is aligned with GTC's mission as an innovation company focused on expanding the use of genomics in improving patient care."