Eurofins Genomics

Company Overview

Eurofins Genomics operates a network of more than 200 laboratories throughout the world. Eurofins Genomics, a subsidiary company, provides genomics and sequencing services using a variety of Sanger and next-generation instrument formats. The company has both Sanger sequencing instruments and next-generation systems. The target market is the de novo sequencing of bacterial or fungal genomes or sequencing of metagenomes. The strategic approach is to generate draft data using the FLX NGS platform and scaffolding of contigs and gap closing using the Sanger sequencing platform.

Eurofins augments its sequencing service with customized bioinformatics for customers to analyze the sequence data.

In June 2017, Eurofins acquired Genoma Laboratory Group, giving it access to the NIPT market as well as oncology tests. The acquisition also gave Eurofins entry into the Italy clinical testing market. In September 2017, Eurofins Genoma launched GeneSafe, an NIPT test that screens for both de novo and inherited single-gene disorders.

The importance of this test is that it can detect conditions that could be missed by traditional NIPT, which have historically only addressed aneuploidies and microdeletions. GeneSafe detects more than 40 severe genetic disorders associated with advanced paternal age or that may occur in the absence of a family history of the condition. The test is positioned as complementary to traditional NIPT, by helping to give a complete understanding of a pregnancy being affected by a genetic disorder.

In June 2017, Eurofins acquired GATC Biotech AG, a DNA sequencing and genetic testing company. The acquisition strengthened Eurofin’s genetic testing capabilities. GATC markets several liquid biopsy products for the clinical industry, including OncoExome, OncoPanel and OncoTarget.

OncoExome gives clinicians a good overview of the protein-coding regions of the patient’s genome. The assay enables discovery of novel variants, recurrent or frequent somatic mutations in the ctDNA. This test uses NGS as its platform.

The OncoPanel assay provides comprehensive analysis of 50 cancer-related genes. This test uses single molecule PCR target enrichment and NGS platforms.

The OncoTarget assay detects and monitors various cancers (NSCLC, melanoma, colorectal cancers as well as blood cancers, including AML and myeloproliferative neoplasms). The test runs on a droplet digital PCR format.

LifeCodexx (a subsidiary of GATC Biotech) markets an NIPT test, PrenaTest, which it licensed from Sequenom. The test originally used Illumina sequencers but the company is changing the format to methylation-specific quantitative PCR to avoid any infringement of Illumina IP. The new, modified test, called qNIPT, will initially detect fetal trisomy 21, with other fetal trisomies to be added to later versions. This test replaces the most basic version of the current PrenaTest. Two other versions of the NGS-based PrenaTest (detects trisomies 13, 18, and 21 either with or without chromosomal aneuploidies) are still being marketed.

In June 2019, Eurofins acquired Transplant Genomics, a developer of molecular diagnostics for the management of organ transplant patients.

In March 2020, Transplant Genomics began a partnership with Viracor Eurofins, Quest and other mobile sample collection groups, to enable remote sample collection for kidney transplant recipients. Testing services covered include Transplant’s TruGraf blood test to rule out silent kidney transplant rejection and Viracor Eurofins’ TRAC liquid biopsy test to analyze donor-derived cfDNA levels in blood to rule out transplant rejection.

In February 2021, Eurofins Viracor partnered with the Cleveland Clinic, giving Eurofins the exclusive rights to a urine biomarker test for detecting rejection in kidney transplant patients. The test identifies RNA molecules in urine that are correlated with a diagnosis of rejection and elevated risk of rejection in kidney transplant patients.

Company's Business Segments

• Genomic Services : The company offers a range of genomics services, such as DNA sequencing (Sanger and next-generation), gene synthesis, oligonucleotide synthesis, and related services like bioinformatics and genotyping.