Veracyte is initiating 2024 testing and product revenue guidance of 13% to 15% growth, partially offset by declining biopharma and other revenue, resulting in total company revenue growth of 10% to 12%, or $394 million to $402 million. Further, 2024 cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments ending balance is expected to grow by 10% to 12%, in line with total company revenue growth, excluding approximately $8 million of one-time acquisition related items but including the expenses required to develop MRD assays.
C2i Genomics Acquisition
Through its acquisition of C2i Genomics, Veracyte will be positioned to serve physicians and their patients further along the cancer care continuum, in combination with its portfolio of diagnostic and prognostic tests.
“MRD detection and monitoring is a large, rapidly growing space that provides critical information to physicians and their patients. The expected acquisition of C2i Genomics will enable us to expand our role across the cancer care continuum to help monitor the success of a therapeutic or surgical intervention, and determine the best course of action for each patient,” said Mr. Stapley. “We believe that C2i Genomics’ whole-genome technology will enable earlier detection of MRD and recurrence than imaging and other molecular tests, resulting in better patient outcomes, with faster results and smaller sample requirements. This will further fuel our vision to transform cancer care for patients all over the world.”
C2i Genomics’ whole-genome, artificial intelligence-powered approach generates broad signatures from blood more quickly and efficiently than bespoke panels. The company’s MRD solution requires less than a tube of blood (as little as 3-4 ml blood, or 1-2 ml plasma), can go from sample to result in just two weeks, and delivers improved performance compared to imaging and other molecular tests. Veracyte believes this ability, when combined with its own prognostic and diagnostic tests, will enable physicians to track a tumor’s progression as it evolves from early diagnosis through patient treatment and follow-up.
“Our vision has been to provide clinicians with deeper insight into their patients’ cancer so that we can help improve treatment outcomes worldwide,” said Ezra Sofer, chief executive officer and cofounder of C2i Genomics. “Our goal since the inception of the company has been to introduce our robust solution into the clinic. I’m incredibly proud of the progress our team has made and believe that Veracyte, with its strong presence in multiple cancer indications and its powerful commercialization capabilities, will accelerate this vision into a reality.”
Veracyte’s first application of C2i Genomics’ technology will be a muscle-invasive bladder cancer MRD test, where it plans to leverage its strong urology commercial channel and a clear pathway to expected reimbursement. The company plans to develop further MRD tests in several of its focused indications.
Veracyte expects the upfront purchase price to be subject to customary balance sheet adjustments and the transaction to close in the first quarter of 2024.
Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC is serving as financial advisor to Veracyte, and Fenwick & West LLP is serving as legal advisor. Perella Weinberg Partners is serving as financial advisor to C2i Genomics, and Meitar is serving as legal advisor.