New research initiative

Verici Dx (AIM: VRCI), a developer of advanced clinical diagnostics for organ transplant, announces an exciting collaboration with The Westmead Institute for Medical Research based in Sydney, Australia, on a newly awarded, 4-year federal research grant. This forms part of the Australian Government's Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) "Genomics Health Futures Mission".

Through the Genomics Health Futures Mission, the Australian Government is investing A$500 million in genomic medicine research with the objective to save or transform the lives of more than 200,000 Australians through genomic research to deliver better testing, diagnosis, and treatment, including in the field of organ transplants.

The collaboration between Verici Dx and The Westmead Institute for Medical Research aims to improve the understanding of factors contributing to graft loss in organ transplants, focusing on genetic differences between donor and recipient beyond the well-known HLA1 mismatches. By incorporating a broader range of genetic data through multiple cohorts with varying ethnic backgrounds, the goal is to enhance the prediction and management of risks associated with organ transplants, ultimately leading to better outcomes for patients. Verici Dx will use its CAP/CLIA-certified laboratory to perform sequencing from blood samples across 3 sites, as well as apply its existing biomarker tests to the samples to assess their use in this diverse population.

In addition to the research, the programme also involves a health economics analysis, an important step for new assays (tests) to be officially recognised and approved for use in Australia.

• Philip O'Connell, Executive Director of The Westmead Institute for Medical Research and Professor Faculty of Medicine and Health, said: "We aim to inform new guidelines for kidney transplant management in Australia and educate the next generation of nephrologists on the emerging role of genetics and genomics for the delivery of personalised medicine in kidney transplantation."

Patti Connolly, Chief Operating Officer at Verici Dx, added: "We are excited that through this partnership, our team has the opportunity to collaborate with world-leading researchers in transplant and genomic science. Through this joint effort we aim to contribute to significant advancements in biomarker development and for Verici Dx to expand its reach in Australia."

1 Human leukocyte antigens

About The Westmead Institute for Medical Research

The Westmead Institute for Medical Research (WIMR) is a multidisciplinary research institute with more than 300 research scientists grouped into 11 research groups. It is renown of its research in cancer, immunology, liver disease, renal disease and transplantation. WIMR researchers are using genomics and genetic data to develop new ways of treating ovarian cancer, liver cancer, autoimmune diseases such as Sjogren's syndrome and SLE, genetic causes of kidney failure as well as developing predictive biomarkers for risk stratification in kidney transplantation. The Westmead Health Precinct serves a large multi-ethnic Australian community. It is is the largest centre for clinical trials in Australia and WIMR has strong links with the Oncology, Renal and Transplant Units at Westmead Hospital.