Research and Markets (http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/lkfchr/vital_signs_the) has announced the addition of the "Vital Signs The Analyst's Perspective - November 2015 Issue" report to their offering.

This issue of Vital Signs discusses MDxHealth's launch of the SelectMDx Liquid Biopsy Test in Europe, the FDA's approval of a new treatment for non-small cell lung cancer with EGFR mutations, the clamp down on specialty pharmacies by US drug benefit managers, and BGI's strategy redirection for Complete Genomics.

MDxHealth launched its new noninvasive test for prostate cancer in Europe via its state-of-the-art lab facility in the Netherlands. The company is offering this testing initially in the Netherlands with plans to offer it to other parts of Europe in early 2016. As a part of this agreement, the company has joined hands with DDL Laboratory, which already offers PCA3 testing in the Netherlands.

The Analyst's Perspective by Divyaa Ravishankar, Senior Industry Analyst, Life Sciences

Liquid biopsy is the new gold standard for diagnostics. This area has been a hot topic area for several investors, as well as existing and upcoming diagnostic market participants. The use of liquid biopsy for diagnosis and monitoring gives an immense advantage over traditional biopsies, where going to the source is always a concern. By the use of this method, no tissue excision is required. This method picks up biomarkers such as CTCs and ctDNAs, and is found to be as effective as the CT scan techniques where the disease can be detected even before it progresses. The ability to monitor tumor dynamics is far easier using liquid biopsy approaches.

Over 2 million prostate biopsies are performed each year, with less than a third testing positive for cancer. Besides the cost, the associated painful and invasive nature of a prostrate biopsy procedure has made several men avoid these tests. A urine-based test, liquid biopsy decreases the complications and the expense of a person undergoing the test. Most importantly, this aids earlier detection. In looking at the efforts invested by MDx Health, the company acquired a Netherlands-based liquid biopsy technology firm called NovioGendix for a value of $X million. One other major disadvantage discovered through end-user research is a high preference toward blood/plasma as the test sample format in comparison to urine, stool, or tissue. This could potentially offset the nature of SelectMDx since the test is based on identifying markers in urine. So far, coverage decisions are unknown for this test.

Key Topics Covered:

1. MDxHealth Launches SelectMDx Liquid Biopsy Test in Europe

2. FDA Approves New Treatment for Non-small Cell Lung Cancer with EGFR Mutations

3. US Drug Benefit Managers Clamp Down on Specialty Pharmacies

4. Sequencing Ser vice Provider Stops Planned Instrument Launch, Redirects Strategy

Companies Mentioned

- DDL Laboratory

- MDxHealth

For more information visit http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/lkfchr/vital_signs_the