Watchmaker Genomics, a provider of innovative products for molecular analysis, has entered into a multi-year, co-exclusive agreement with Exact Sciences Corporation, a leading cancer screening and diagnostic test provider. The collaboration aims to develop and commercialize the TET-assisted pyridine borane sequencing (TAPS) technology, a breakthrough in DNA methylation analysis.
Watchmaker plans to enhance the TAPS chemistry, enabling advanced applications like cancer screening and minimal residual disease (MRD) testing. DNA methylation patterns, which can be indicators of both healthy and diseased tissue states, are seen as promising biomarkers for liquid biopsies. The TAPS technology can improve DNA methylation analysis accuracy. Additionally, the companies have established a long-term strategic supply agreement, with Watchmaker providing Exact Sciences access to its sequencing reagents and precision enzymes.