5 March 2025
HemeSight® is the first comprehensive genomic profiling assay in Japan for a blood cancer gene panel test and is now eligible for national health insurance (NHI) coverage. This is expected to increase patient access to more personalized treatment options.
Using Illumina’s next-generation sequencer NextSeq™ 550Dx, genomic data will be sequenced enabling diagnosis, treatment selection, and prognosis based on genetic abnormalities in blood cancer cells.
HemeSight was developed by Otsuka in collaboration with the National Cancer Center. Its performance was verified by a research consortium comprising Kyushu University, Kyoto University, Nagoya Medical Center, the Institute of Medical Science at the University of Tokyo, and Keio University School of Medicine.
HemeSight provides comprehensive genomic profiling for hematological malignancies such as acute myeloid leukemia, malignant lymphoma, and multiple myeloma. The test can also be used for relapsed or refractory cases, providing valuable insights for better treatment decisions.
“Congratulations to Otsuka Pharmaceutical for pursuing and obtaining insurance coverage for HemeSight. This comprehensive genomic profiling is critical in the fight against blood cancers, offering a more targeted approach to treating patients,” said Catherine Ohura, General Manager of Illumina Japan.
Understanding the genomic make up of cancer cells and tailoring treatments can spare patients from potential side effects of treatments that don’t work and improve quality of life.1 This approach to blood cancer has been included in categorization and diagnosis guidelines by the World Health Organization and treatment guidelines by the Japanese Society of Hematology.
“Despite the availability of gene panel tests for solid tumors in Japan, a lack of insurance coverage has resulted in lower than optimal uptake. We look forward to HemeSight becoming a standard of care test for blood cancers in Japan,” Ohura said.
To learn more visit https://www.otsuka.co.jp/company/newsreleases/2025/20250303_1.html
References:
1 https://www.curetoday.com/view/the-importance-of-precision-medicine-the-next-frontier-in-treatment