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CareDx and Dovetail Genomics to Collaborate on NGS Workflow for Transplant HLA Matching

HLA matching is critical for successful transplants. The two companies hope combining their technologies will improve testing; and therefore, patient outcomes.

Transplant-focused precision medicine solutions provider CareDx is teaming up with Dovetail Genomics to elevate HLA (Human Leukocyte Antigen) genotyping for organ and stem cell transplant matching.

When conducting a transplant, finding a close HLA match between donor and patient makes it more likely that it will be successful. That’s why the two companies are collaborating to improve HLA matching for transplants.

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Dovetail will offer their Hi-C LinkPrep next generation sequencing (NGS) technology to reach high-resolution genotyping as well as haplotyping, which could improve long-term success rates of matching for transplants. Hi-C LinkPrep will be incorporated into CareDx’s AlloSeq Tx 17 HLA typing workflow which HLA labs will be able to use as part of an Early Access Program.

CareDx’s President and CEO, John W. Hanna, commented that AlloSeq Tx 17 was the first HLA typing solution to cover 17 loci. He said: “Through this partnership, HLA labs will gain early access to cutting-edge solutions, positioning them at the forefront of evaluating innovative donor-recipient matching methods.”

Indeed, CareDx’s HLA typing solution uses 17 HLA loci rather than the standard 11 which they say offers more accurate results. They also boast a hybrid-capture workflow to streamline donor matching studies.

Dovetail's LinkPrep uses short-read sequencing combined with information from long-range DNA fragments. This allows it to directly determine phasing of genetic variants without needing to impute the missing information, a common limitation of short-read sequencing alone. LinkPrep therefore offers long distance inter-locus phasing and haplotype determination.

The companies say that combining their two technologies offers researchers the opportunity to evaluate the benefits of high precision and comprehensive HLA haplotypes for donor-recipient matching.

“We believe that Dovetail Genomic’s LinkPrep technology’s unique ability to capture haplotype-aware genetic variation will be a game-changer for applications like HLA testing,” said Matt Easterday, CEO of Dovetail Genomics.

“The ability to haplotype through the entire HLA region offers the transplant community an important new tool for optimizing transplant matching.”