Precipio Expands Bloodhound™ MPN Panel by Adding CALR Mutation Subtyping

The unique assay enables laboratories to provide clinicians with more informed treatment decisions for their patients

NEW HAVEN, Conn., Oct. 08, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Specialty cancer diagnostics company Precipio, Inc. (NASDAQ: PRPO) announces the launch of a new version of its Bloodhound MPN (Myeloproliferative Neoplasm) panel that is now able to distinguish between CALR type 1 and type 2 mutations. The CALR mutation data plays a critical role in disease prognosis and therapeutic decision-making. This differentiation aligns with the latest National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines released in August of this year (Version 2.2024—August 8, 2024).

This is the only quantitative PCR-based panel of its kind on the market that distinguishes between CALR Type 1 and Type 2 alongside the other genes relevant to the molecular evaluation of MPN.

“As science and discovery constantly evolve the diagnostic world, Precipio is committed to maintaining its competitive advantage and being at the forefront of our industry,” said Ilan Danieli, Precipio CEO. “Our customers and their patients will continue to benefit from access to cutting-edge technologies combined with the highest clinical value, enhancing patient care.”

Clinical Significance of CALR Subtyping in MPN Management
The inclusion of CALR mutation subtyping is a direct response to the evolving landscape of MPN patient care where understanding the specific type of CALR mutation can influence treatment strategies and outcomes.

Read more

Years After Genetic Finding, Drugs Targeting CALR-Mutant Myeloproliferative Neoplasms Enter Trials

NEW YORK – More than a decade after mutations in the CALR gene were first linked to the development of myeloproliferative neoplasms, CALR-targeted drug candidates are advancing to Phase I clinical trials.

If these drugs reach the market, they could provide a treatment option for a group of patients with myelofibrosis and essential thrombocythemia who typically must wait until their condition turns serious to attempt a risky stem cell transplant.

About 300,000 patients in the US have myeloproliferative neoplasms. Kapila Vigas, CEO of the MPN Research Foundation, said patients can have very different presentations of the disease, and it can take “years or decades” to get a diagnosis. Although myeloproliferative neoplasms are classified as chronic cancers that patients can live with for many years with blood count monitoring, Vigas said some patients can abruptly progress, and their condition can become serious.

“That uncertainty is really concerning to patients,” Vigas said. “We think from a psychosocial perspective, it’s worse than an acute cancer because while cancer may be more serious, it’s predictable, and there’s a plan and a protocol, whereas when you’re diagnosed with [a myeloproliferative neoplasm] watch and wait is almost a first-line approach. It just adds to the anxiety.”

Read more