Foundation Medicine and Fulgent Genetics Partner to Launch Comprehensive Germline Testing in the U.S.

Published: 07 Feb 2025

Author: Precedence Research

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Oncology-focused genomic Foundation Medicine launches in the U.S. two germline tests: the FoundationOne Germline, and FoundationOne Germline More. Developed together with Fulgent Genetics, the purpose of these tests is to detect genetic variants associated with hereditary cancers, providing valuable information to health providers, patients, and families. Beginning on February 28, 2025, healthcare providers will be able to order any Foundation Medicine comprehensive genomic profiling (CGP) test via the Foundation Medicine online portal with FoundationOne Germline or FoundationOne Germline More.

This partnership will enable a new level of integration between germline and somatic testing for patients, providing a more thorough molecular profile. FoundationOne is a next-generation sequencing (NGS) test focused on the analysis of 50 genes associated with hereditary cancers, suitable for the assessment of individuals with a family history suggestive of inherited cancer risks. FoundationOne Germline More is an expanded NGS panel comprising the assessment of 154 genes, with well-established cancer-related genes and candidate genes with emerging evidence of association with cancer risk.

A Powerful Collaboration Between Two Industry Leaders

Foundation Medicine and Fulgent Genetics have built a partnership to develop tests for germline and somatic mutations to improve cancer treatment. Foundation Medicine, which is a pioneer in genomic profiling, will provide germline testing to shed light on why a patient presented with cancer in the first place and offer clues about their increased risk for another cancer in the future. Fulgent Genetics, which specializes in the area of genetic sequencing technology, will bring leading-edge genetic sequencing technologies into the mix. The integration of germline and somatic testing will complete Foundation Medicine's currently running CGP tests, which include FoundationOne®CDx, FoundationOne®Liquid CDx, FoundationOne®Heme, and FoundationOne®RNA. This will enable a deeper molecular characterization for patients, arm oncologists with more actionable intelligence, and aid in making healthcare treatment decisions. They would be analyzing single nucleotide variants and copy number variations as important supplements to precision oncology. Germline testing is mostly concerned with detecting inherited mutations that are pertinent to cancer risk and will yield insight into why the patient is probably affected by cancer, the odds for cancer relapse, whether relatives have increased risks, and what targeted therapies are most effective.

Commitment to Scientific Excellence

Founded in Cambridge (Massachusetts), Foundation Medicine is a pioneer in molecular profiling for cancer, testing germline and thus solidifying its role in shaping the future of oncology diagnostics. Its partnerships with various cancer research partners aim to set standards for quality, innovation, and regulatory excellence. The organization aims to assist clinicians in making evidence-based treatment decisions while paving the way for researchers to develop next-generation cancer treatment therapies.

Meanwhile, Fulgent Genetics is a technology-driven organization involved in various genomic diagnostics and precision medicine facilities, laboratory services, and developing cancer therapeutics. The entry of Foundation One Germline and FoundationOne Germline More would therefore represent a landmark that integrates hereditary risk assessment into the routine practice of oncology. The alliance of Foundation Medicine and Fulgent Genetics proved valuable to the healthcare provider in terms of precision in genetics and accuracy and detail. As both companies plan for the launch of the new tests, excitement is mounting in the oncology community regarding the impacts on cancer diagnosis, treatment, and prevention strategies.