Champions Oncology has entered into a collaboration deal with the Addario Lung Cancer Medical Institute (ALCMI) to develop a new cohort of PDX models in patients with ROS1 gene rearrangement. 

These models will enable Champions to expand its TumorGraft bank offerings in non-small-cell lung cancer for translational oncology research for academic and industry customers. 

Champions intends to tap its global infrastructure to support this multi-year programme.

ALCMI is leading an international study, while Champions Oncology will offer its experience and global infrastructure to support the establishment of patient-derived xenograft models for patients with ROS1 fusion.

The cohort of PDX models can be utilised as a resource for clinical and translational research and support development of new therapies in patients suffering from ROS1 positive cancer. 

The established models will have full clinical and molecular annotation.

Champions Oncology chief medical officer Angela M. Davies said: "Champions Oncology is pleased to partner with ALCMI for this patient-driven initiative to establish a unique cohort of models in ROS1 positive cancers."

Davies further added: "Champions and ALCMI are combining their respective infrastructure, expertise and scientific commitment to build PDX models in this rare subtype of cancer and make those models available to academic and industry researchers.

"This PDX resource will facilitate the development of new therapies and understanding mechanisms of resistance in ROS1 cancers."

ALCMI president and COO Steven Young said: "We are pleased to partner with Champions Oncology, and the ROS1 patient community, to help advance our shared goal of new and more effective therapies for affected lung cancer patients everywhere, via the creation and distribution of these much-needed research and development models."