VANCOUVER, British Columbia–(BUSINESS WIRE)–#RoyalSocietyofCanada–Contextual Genomics Inc., a leading Canadian cancer genomics company headquartered in Vancouver, Canada, announced today that David Huntsman, MD, FRCPC, FCCMG, Chief Medical Officer and one of the Scientific Founders of Contextual Genomics, has been elected a Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada (RSC), the highest honour a scholar can receive in the arts, social sciences and sciences in Canada.
Dr. Huntsman has been elected to the RSC for his notable work in cancer research and his use of pathology and genetics to gain a greater understanding of ovarian and other rare cancers including hereditary stomach cancer. Dr. Huntsman advanced and developed the current subtype-specific and biologically informed approach to ovarian cancer research, prevention and treatment. Dr. Huntsman’s research ranks amongst the most cited in clinical medicine, and he is regarded as a pioneer and a mentor within the Canadian cancer research community.
Dr. Huntsman is the second Contextual Genomics’ Scientific Founder to receive recognition from the RSC. In 2016, Dr. Samuel Aparicio, BM, BCH, PhD, FRCPATH, FRSC, Chief Scientific Officer and also one of the Scientific Founders of Contextual Genomics, was elected to the RSC for his significant research work in molecular oncology and his use of genomics, computational methods and single-cell analysis to determine the evolution and progress of cancers.
Drs. Huntsman and Aparicio, together with Dr. Sohrab Shah, Contextual Genomics’ Chief Informatics Officer, used their combined expertise and experience in the fields of oncology, genomics and bioinformatics to start Contextual Genomics in 2012. “Through Contextual Genomics we have been able to use our knowledge of cancer genomics to help patients around the world,” said Dr. Huntsman. Today, Contextual Genomics is the partner of choice to help hospital and clinical laboratories implement quality assured Next Generation Sequence (NGS) based somatic mutation testing in their facilities. Contextual Genomics’ solutions allow partner laboratories to facilitate access for cancer patients to high quality and affordable genomic testing that can improve cancer care through a more personalized and targeted therapy approach.
Michael Ball, Contextual Genomics’ Chief Executive Officer, said “The election of David Huntsman to the Royal Society of Canada reiterates the quality and the scientific stature of Contextual Genomics’ Scientific Founders. It was their leadership, expertise and knowledge that set the path for Contextual Genomics to develop and deliver our genomic testing products which advance personalized cancer care on a worldwide basis. I am very happy to see David recognized in such a prestigious way.”
About Contextual Genomics’ Products:
Contextual Genomics has developed FIND IT™ and FOLLOW IT™ cancer panels. Both panels are multiplex, Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) genomic assays designed for rapid deployment into labs around the world. FIND IT and FOLLOW IT evaluate the mutation status of tumour DNA (FIND IT for solid tumours; FOLLOW IT for cell-free circulating tumour DNA in plasma) at 146 well-characterized positions, identifying the somatic mutations that have the greatest potential to impact treatment decisions. QUALITY NEXUS™ is a quality control system embedded into all FIND IT and FOLLOW IT assays and into Contextual Genomics’ cloud-based analysis engine. FIND IT and FOLLOW IT physician reports provide clear information on test interpretation and linkages to current therapeutic options.
About Contextual Genomics (www.contextualgenomics.com):
Contextual Genomics enables hospital and clinical laboratories to deploy cost-effective and clinically actionable molecular tests that guide diagnosis and treatment of cancer. These customized tests are offered by our partner laboratories around the world with Contextual Genomics conducting cloud-based bioinformatics services via a SaaS model. The collection of data via this robust network of partners and the use of machine-learning tools allows Contextual Genomics to improve patient care through improved clinical trial enrolment and new treatment algorithms. Contextual Genomics is founded and managed by global leaders in cancer medicine, bioinformatics and software development, who have unparalleled expertise in cancer genomics and the clonal evolution of cancer.
About Royal Society of Canada:
Since its inauguration in 1882, the Royal Society of Canada has been recognizing excellence in the arts, humanities and sciences, advising the Canadian government and the larger society, and promoting a culture of knowledge and innovation in Canada and with other national academies around the world. RSC Fellows are men and women from all branches of learning who have made remarkable contributions in these fields, as well as in Canadian public life.1
This release contains forward-looking statements that are not based on historical facts. These forward-looking statements involve risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, events or developments to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements.
1 Source: Royal Society of Canada Website
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Ehab Farrag
media@contextualgenomics.com
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