Caris Life Sciences, a molecular science company, and Ono Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., a pharmaceutical company, entered a strategic collaboration to leverage Caris’ molecular profiling, including its novel, liquid biopsy circulating nucleic acids sequencing (cNAS) assay, across several studies.
 
Under the agreement, Caris will provide comprehensive molecular profiling analysis in support of several Ono clinical studies evaluating a range of targeted and immune-based therapies, including an initial phase III trial, among others. Caris’ cNAS molecular profiling assesses all 22,000 genes across DNA and RNA from blood, which are unique to an individual’s cancer, to reveal a molecular blueprint in order to guide more precise and individualized treatment decisions.
 
“We continue to actively engage in drug development that meets unmet medical needs, and truly benefits patients,” said Kiyoaki Idemitsu, Member of the Board of Directors, Executive Officer/Executive Director, Clinical Development of Ono. “Collaborating with Caris gives us the opportunity to utilize world-class advanced technologies to improve our novel drug development capabilities.”
 
“We are excited by the opportunity to expand the reach of Caris’ tumor profiling portfolio, inclusive of the most powerful liquid biopsy assay ever developed, and precision partnering programs to global pharmaceutical companies like Ono, to ultimately deliver more precise medicines to patients,” said David Spetzler, M.S., Ph.D., MBA, President and Chief Scientific Officer of Caris.