Illumina, Pillar Biosciences Collaborates to Improve Access to Personalized Cancer Treatment Options

Pillar Biosciences Inc., the pioneers of Decision Medicine, and Illumina Inc., a global leader in DNA sequencing and array-based technologies, announced a strategic partnership to make Pillar's suite of oncology assays commercially available globally as part of the Illumina portfolio of oncology products. The agreement will result in an unprecedented offering of complementary next-generation sequencing solutions, which will improve the efficiency, accuracy, and cost-effectiveness of oncology testing through advanced sequencing techniques, allowing patients to access personalised cancer treatment options for the first time.

"We are proud to partner with Pillar to provide products that will improve care for patients with advanced and high-risk cancer," said Phil Febbo, Illumina's chief medical officer. "By combining Pillar's targeted sequencing technology with Illumina's cutting-edge sequencing and bioinformatics solutions, we will be able to enable rapid and focused genomic profiling of tumours, which is critical for facilitating personalised therapy in healthcare systems around the world." Oncologists and researchers can use Pillar's focused assays to uncover mutations that cause cancer growth. This knowledge is critical for making informed cancer treatment decisions. Clinicians can adjust treatment options such as targeted treatments and immunotherapies to each patient's needs by studying the genetic landscape of the tumour. This tailored strategy has the potential to produce more effective and precise solutions. "Pillar Biosciences is committed to enabling global access to our high-value genomic profiling assays to empower better-informed precision patient treatment," stated Randy Pritchard, CEO of Pillar Biosciences.

"This agreement will allow for the seamless integration of Pillar Biosciences assays and Illumina sequencers, resulting in a streamlined workflow and complementary product offerings and faster turnaround times for patients." Pillar's suite of oncology assays can be used on any of Illumina's sequencers. Assay offering will depend on the region. Commercial availability of Pillar's assays through Illumina is set to begin this month.

Pillar Biosciences is the leader in Decision Medicine, which is the utilization of highly accurate and sensitive next-generation sequencing (NGS) testing technology to generate data that optimizes the selection of precision therapies for cancer patients, from tumour profiling to therapy selection and recurrence monitoring. Illumina is improving human health by unlocking the power of the genome. In 2023 we celebrate 25 years of innovation, which has established us as a global leader in DNA sequencing and array-based technologies, serving customers in the research, clinical, and applied markets.