Bayer Pharmaceuticals and The Life Raft Group, a Non-Profit, Announce Innovative Collaboration to Accelerate Cancer Research for GIST Patients

WHIPPANY, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Bayer Pharmaceuticals, working with The Life Raft Group (LRG), announced today that they have extended a research collaboration to broaden access to comprehensive genomic testing for Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor (GIST) patients. This collaboration aims to advance precision medicine in oncology and use comprehensive genomic testing to identify patients in the United States (U.S.) who may benefit from personalized care.

Comprehensive genomic testing, also known as biomarker testing or molecular testing, is a crucial step in understanding the genomic factors that play a role in establishing a GIST diagnosis. There are different types of comprehensive genomic testing: the most common tests are basic mutational testing and advanced next-generation sequencing. These tests may help identify alterations, or changes, within DNA and/or RNA of cancer cells that determine how a tumor behaves or why it grows. Basic mutational testing focuses on testing specific genes like c-KIT, PDGFRA, and BRAF. Advanced next-generation sequencing may test a broader range of genes, usually between 5 - 500+ genes, including neurotrophic receptor tyrosine kinase (NTRK) gene fusions. The results can help healthcare providers match patients with available treatment options or clinical trials. Finding the right therapeutic can be a turning point in the treatment journey of a GIST patient.

GISTs are a type of soft tissue sarcoma – cancers that develop in connective or supporting tissues – that affect an estimated 3,000 to 5,000 people in the U.S. each year.¹ One genomic alteration that can drive the growth and spread of GIST is called an NTRK gene fusion. There are currently treatments for GIST driven by NTRK gene fusions approved in the U.S.

Criteria for patients to participate in this program include: be a U.S. resident, be or become a part of The Life Raft Group GIST Patient Registry, have a treating oncologist, must not have had any type of prior comprehensive genomic testing (basic mutational testing or next-generation sequencing), or have previously been identified with wildtype c-KIT or PDGFRA results from basic mutational testing.

The Life Raft Group, based in Wayne, New Jersey, is a global leader in GIST, focused on educating patients, providing resources, and launching initiatives for the community for better patient outcomes. This collaboration is an example of the vital role patient advocacy groups play in bridging the gap between researchers and motivated patient populations willing to be part of innovative studies.

“As part of our commitment to precision oncology, we believe identifying NTRK patients early through comprehensive genomic testing is a critical step in the cancer diagnosis of oncology patients experiencing metastatic disease, as it helps physicians understand the underlying drivers of tumor growth and can inform the treatment approach,” said Iain Webb, M.D., Vice President, U.S. Medical Affairs, Oncology at Bayer. “That is why we are pleased to collaborate with The Life Raft Group to increase the availability of comprehensive genomic testing for GIST patients to potentially uncover NTRK gene fusions and provide options for those who may benefit from precision oncology treatments.”

This collaboration builds on Bayer’s existing commitment to advance precision oncology, which includes research to find targets and pathways that drive cancer growth, and how these findings can impact the way cancer is treated.

“We are excited to be a part of this groundbreaking opportunity to work with great organizations to pave the road towards precision medicine and to help us to reach our goal of increasing the testing rate among GIST patients,” said Denisse Montoya, Patient Registry Director at The Life Raft Group. “By offering comprehensive genomic testing with no charge, many patients will have the opportunity to know what genes are driving their GIST and benefit from genetic-informed care. Results from this testing collaboration will help us understand more traits and patterns within GIST that will help us with our aim of accelerating GIST cancer research.”

Healthcare professionals with eligible patients can find additional information here.

About The Life Raft Group

The Life Raft Group is a non-profit with a simple focus: to cure a form of cancer – GIST (gastrointestinal stromal tumors) – and to help those living with it until then. The mission is to ensure the survival of GIST patients through a comprehensive approach connecting individual patients’ needs, the worldwide community of GIST advocates and the global health and research environment. This is achieved by focusing on three key areas: Patient Support & Education, Advocacy and Research. To learn more, visit www.liferaftgroup.org

About Oncology at Bayer

Bayer is committed to delivering science for a better life by advancing a portfolio of innovative treatments. The oncology franchise at Bayer includes six marketed products and several other assets in various stages of clinical development. Together, these products reflect the company’s approach to research, which prioritizes targets and pathways with the potential to impact the way that cancer is treated.

About Bayer

Bayer is a global enterprise with core competencies in the life science fields of health care and nutrition. Its products and services are designed to help people and planet thrive by supporting efforts to master the major challenges presented by a growing and aging global population. Bayer is committed to drive sustainable development and generate a positive impact with its businesses. At the same time, the Group aims to increase its earning power and create value through innovation and growth. The Bayer brand stands for trust, reliability and quality throughout the world. In fiscal 2020, the Group employed around 100,000 people and had sales of 41.4 billion euros. R&D expenses before special items amounted to 4.9 billion euros. For more information, go to www.bayer.com.

^© 2021 Bayer

BAYER and the Bayer Cross are registered trademarks of Bayer.

Forward-Looking Statements

This release may contain forward-looking statements based on current assumptions and forecasts made by Bayer management. Various known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors could lead to material differences between the actual future results, financial situation, development or performance of the company and the estimates given here. These factors include those discussed in Bayer’s public reports which are available on the Bayer website at www.bayer.com. The company assumes no liability whatsoever to update these forward-looking statements or to conform them to future events or developments.

PP-PF-ONC-US-2148-1

11/2021

References

¹ Life Raft Group. Understanding GIST. Available at: https://liferaftgroup.org/understanding-gist/. Accessed November 2021.

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