Biocept, Inc. and Insight Genetics announced their collaboration to generate an enhanced diagnostic for the expression and mutation of ALK, a major therapeutic target in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer. As part of the initial collaboration, Biocept and Insight Genetics will evaluate the combination of both companies' platform technologies to enhance detection of ALK status in NSCLC patients. Biocept's proprietary technology will be used to capture and analyze CTCs and ctDNA.

Insight Genetics will then utilize its technical expertise and proprietary evaluation methods to determine ALK expression, and whether the gene has mutated over the course of cancer treatment. The initial aim of this collaboration is to better identify and monitor patients who may benefit from existing ALK-based therapies as well as those that may benefit from second-generation therapies based on inhibitor resistance mechanisms.