AccuStem Sciences and EmeritusDX have signed an agreement to jointly manage the research and development (R&D) and scientific operations for the formers’ product portfolio.

Under the collaboration, the companies will initially focus on further validating AccuStem’s StemPrintER test for breast cancer patients.

StemPrintER is a 20-gene test that stratifies patients as per its recurrence risk and is mainly used for measuring the "stemness" of tumours to indicate the likelihood of cancer progression and response to standard treatment modalities.

The alliance aims to further establish the assay’s utility in tackling unresolved clinical questions, including the identification of surgical interventions that can enhance outcomes.

Furthermore, the partnership aims to offer healthcare providers actionable insights for improved patient outcomes in the fight against cancer by empowering them with the tools to make informed decisions.

AccuStem CEO Wendy Blosser said: “Their expertise in the diagnostic space in combination with their proven track record of success is exactly what AccuStem has been looking for in a lab partner to take StemPrintER through the validation and reimbursement process for breast cancer and other indications.”

EmeritusDX has modern facilities in Pennsylvania and California in the US and the company will leverage its molecular laboratories and a seasoned R&D team for validating the StemPrintER assay.

EmeritusDX CEO Robert Embree said: "AccuStem’s proprietary technology evaluating tumour stemness offers endless opportunities for healthcare providers to address a variety of clinically unmet needs for cancer patients.

“StemPrintER complements our existing product pipeline by addressing additional questions along the patient care continuum beyond what we are currently doing today."