Biotech company Heligenics has introduced a new precision genetic test to choose among drugs for the treatment of breast cancer.

The new genetic test helps select among three drugs approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for breast cancer.

The company began with the drugs, Tykerb, Nerlynx and Tukysa.

Heligenics stated that there are more than 10,000 potential mutations in a cancer gene and it is difficult to identify which one produces resistance.

Its GigaAssay technology will help quickly identify specific mutations among thousands for which a breast cancer patient is susceptible to a desired drug.

The company can also detect which of these variants produces resistance to the drug.

It intends to select commercial partners who can run a prospective study, receive approval from the FDA and launch the test in the market.

According to the company, the new test is anticipated to revolutionise the analysis of biopsies to establish a data-driven approach to treatment. 

Heligenics board member Dr Jerome Rotter said: “This test is a great example of the future of personalised drug therapy.”

The company has expertise in functional genomics research and services, offering comprehensive genomic solutions to healthcare providers, biotech and pharmaceutical companies.

Furthermore, the company develops cell-based GigaAssays to evaluate gene function and provide custom services in drug development and molecular diagnostics.