Natera, Inc., a pioneer and global leader in cell-free DNA (cfDNA) testing, and BGI Genomics Co., Ltd., one of the world’s leading genomics companies, recently announced the launch of the BGI/Natera Signatera Assay which is now available to biopharmaceutical customers and clinicians across China.

Natera’s Signatera assay, now offered in partnership with BGI,1 has been utilized in numerous clinical studies across non-small cell lung, bladder, breast, and colorectal cancers, to identify the molecular residual disease (MRD) up to two years earlier than standard imaging. The test is now available in China under the Chinese brand name  (Hua Jian Wei for short).

"We’re excited to bring this revolutionary technology to clinicians and patients in China," said John Fesko, the chief business officer at Natera. "Partnering with BGI also enables Natera to offer our pharma partners truly global clinical trial services."

In March 2019, Natera and BGI Genomics entered into a partnership to commercialize Natera’s Signatera test in China,1 and after two years of technology transfers and validation, the BGI/Natera Signatera Assay is now officially available in the country. The assay can help facilitate the innovative trial design and enable biopharmaceutical researchers to make better informed and more timely decisions. Pharmaceutical companies can access this assay in China through the BGI-Natera partnership, which offers unique opportunities for companion diagnostic registration in both China and the U.S.

"BGI is committed to promoting precision medicine and cancer prevention with cutting-edge technologies. Signatera can detect recurrence earlier and help clinicians optimize treatment decisions, thus bringing greater survival benefits for patients. In partnership with Natera, we are pleased to introduce Signatera into China and provide this innovative technology that incorporates MGI sequencing platforms for clinical oncology and drug development in a reliable and affordable manner," said Shida Zhu, general manager of BGI Oncology.