Traveling through time and space.

Chapter 248: Biotech Companies Expand Clinical Applications of Genetic Testing Technology

Mu Yang, unburdened from the hustle and bustle of promoting his company's animation IP overseas, his mind still lingering on the lively exchanges at international animation conventions and the initial successes of overseas collaborations. But his gaze was already fixed on the forefront of biotechnology: the expansion of clinical applications of genetic testing technology. At a critical juncture as biotech companies are fully committed to promoting genetic testing technology for clinical use, the widespread adoption of this technology is like a ray of hope, offering boundless possibilities for improving clinical diagnosis and treatment and benefiting patients. With a sense of mission and a deep interest in the biotech company's efforts to expand the clinical application of genetic testing technology, Mu Yang hurried to the biotech company, determined to take solid steps in this challenging yet promising field.

Mu Yang stepped into the biotech company's genetic testing laboratory, a place that felt like a base for exploring the secrets of microscopic life. The large gene sequencer emitted a gentle hum, its flashing indicators seeming to reveal the mysteries of the genetic world. The researchers, dressed in neat lab coats, operated the instruments intently, their eyes revealing the focus and dedication they bring to the process of technological optimization. Some were meticulously adjusting gene chips, while others were analyzing complex genetic data. The entire laboratory was filled with a strong scientific atmosphere.

"Hello everyone! Expanding the clinical application of genetic testing technology is one of our company's core tasks at this stage. It is related to the health and future of countless patients. We must go all out to enable this technology to play a greater role in clinical practice." Mu Yang's voice was firm and powerful, echoing in the laboratory and inspiring the enthusiasm of scientific researchers.

Dr. Chen, the head of the research team, stepped forward excitedly, holding a stack of lab reports in his hand. "Mr. Mu, we have recently made important progress in genetic testing technology. By optimizing gene sequencing and gene chip technology, we have successfully improved the accuracy and sensitivity of detection. For cancer diseases, we have developed a new tumor gene mutation detection package that can detect a variety of common tumor gene mutation types, providing strong support for the precision treatment of cancer patients. However, the cost of expanding the clinical application of genetic testing technology is huge. It cost [X] million yuan to purchase advanced gene sequencing equipment, [X] million yuan to develop new testing packages, and [X] million yuan in personnel training costs. This is in conflict with patients' ability to pay and medical insurance reimbursement policies. Currently, the cost of a tumor gene mutation test is about [X] yuan, which is unaffordable for many patients, and the scope of medical insurance reimbursement is limited, which may affect the promotion and application of the technology."

Mu Yang pondered for a moment and said, "Dr. Chen, I understand the contradiction between cost and patients' ability to pay. On the one hand, we must continue to optimize technology and reduce testing costs. On the other hand, we must actively communicate with medical insurance departments, provide detailed technical information and clinical data, and strive to include more genetic testing projects in medical insurance reimbursement. At the same time, we should explore cooperation with charitable organizations to provide assistance to impoverished patients."

As R&D progressed, competition for resources between different R&D projects within the biotech company gradually emerged. At a resource coordination meeting, Dr. Zhang, who oversees the development of cardiovascular disease genetic testing, anxiously stated, "Our cardiovascular disease genetic testing project has reached a critical stage and urgently requires a high-precision genetic data analysis device to process the large amount of test data. However, this device is currently occupied by the oncology genetic testing project team, severely impacting our research progress. According to our plan, we need to complete genetic analysis of [X] cardiovascular disease samples this month. Without this device, the data cannot be accurately processed, and our research cannot proceed."

Dr. Chen, who oversees genetic testing for tumor diseases, responded, "Our project is equally important. We're conducting key clinical validation experiments, and this device is essential. Everyone has their own research mission, and we can't just consider the needs of one party. We're working day and night to optimize our tumor gene mutation testing suite, and this device is crucial to our experiments."

Mu Yang hurried to mediate: "Everyone calm down first. We will establish a resource sharing mechanism and reasonably arrange equipment usage time according to the importance and urgency of the project. Develop a detailed equipment usage plan. For example, arrange a fixed time each week for each project team to use the equipment to ensure that every project can proceed smoothly. At the same time, encourage everyone to carry out collaborative research, share research results, and improve resource utilization efficiency. We can regularly organize project exchange meetings for everyone to share research progress and problems encountered, and jointly find solutions."

To better apply genetic testing technology to clinical practice, Mu Yang came to the laboratory department of a medical institution. The environment here is clean, the staff are busy and orderly, and they are rigorous and responsible in handling samples and interpreting results. Dr. Li, the director of the laboratory department, warmly greeted Mu Yang: "Mr. Mu, we very much look forward to collaborating with your company to apply genetic testing technology to clinical testing. However, during this collaboration, there are some disputes regarding testing fees, data sharing, and the ownership of results. We hope that testing fees can be reasonably reduced to reduce the burden on patients; in terms of data sharing, we must ensure that patient privacy is strictly protected; and the ownership of results also needs to be clear, after all, we have invested clinical resources and expertise."

After some thought, Mu Yang said, "Doctor Li, your concerns are reasonable. Before we start working together, we will sign a detailed cooperation agreement to clarify issues such as testing fees, data sharing, and ownership of results. In terms of testing fees, we will negotiate a reasonable price with your hospital based on costs and market conditions. In terms of data sharing, we will establish strict data encryption and authorized access mechanisms to ensure patient privacy and security. The ownership of results will be reasonably distributed based on the contributions of both parties. At the same time, we will establish a regular communication mechanism to promptly resolve problems that arise during the cooperation process."

During the collaboration, the differences in goals and working methods between the culture of scientific research and innovation pursuing precise testing and the culture of clinical application emphasizing comprehensive judgment gradually emerged. Dr. Chen said, "We researchers pursue the precision and sensitivity of testing technology, continuously optimizing it to improve the accuracy of testing. However, clinical application focuses more on comprehensive judgment, requiring the integration of multiple aspects of information such as the patient's clinical manifestations and medical history. This creates a certain contradiction. While our testing technology continues to advance, how to better integrate it with the diagnostic thinking of clinicians in clinical applications requires further exploration."

Dr. Li responded, "We understand the need for scientific research, but clinical work is related to the life and health of patients, and various factors must be considered comprehensively. We hope that researchers can consider clinical realities more during the research and development process and provide test reports and interpretations that are easier to use in clinical practice."

Mu Yang patiently coordinated: "Everyone's starting point is for the benefit of patients. During the research and development process, researchers must fully consider the requirements of clinical application, optimize the form and content of test reports, and provide more detailed clinical interpretation suggestions. Clinicians must also give researchers a certain degree of understanding and support, and accelerate the clinical application of technology while ensuring safety and effectiveness. Establish a joint working group, with joint participation from both sides, to promote the close integration of scientific research and clinical practice."

To help clinicians better apply genetic testing technology, Mu Yang visited the clinical department. Clinicians are both excited and cautious about the application of new technologies. Department Director Dr. Wang excitedly said, "Mr. Mu, if genetic testing technology can be widely used in clinical practice, it will be a huge help in our diagnosis and treatment. However, we are also concerned about the stability and reliability of this new technology, as it affects patients' treatment plans and prognosis."

Mu Yang said, "Doctor Wang, our genetic testing technology has undergone rigorous experimental and clinical validation and has high accuracy and reliability. We will provide clinicians with detailed technical training and follow-up support to ensure the correct application of the technology. At the same time, we will establish a long-term follow-up mechanism to track patients' treatment outcomes and continuously optimize testing technology and clinical application plans."

Through a series of efforts, biotech companies have achieved initial success in expanding the clinical application of genetic testing technologies. In genetic testing laboratories, technology continues to be optimized, resulting in a richer testing suite. Collaboration with medical institutions' laboratory departments is progressing smoothly, with sample processing and result interpretation becoming more standardized. In clinical departments, genetic testing technology is beginning to be applied in actual diagnosis and treatment, providing patients with more accurate diagnoses and treatment recommendations.

"I am extremely pleased to see our continuous progress in expanding the clinical application of genetic testing technology. I am full of expectations for technology to serve the clinic and help patients. In the future, we will continue to increase investment in research and development and expand the scope of clinical applications. We plan to establish cooperative relationships with [X] medical institutions within the next year to apply genetic testing technology to the diagnosis and treatment of more diseases, bringing more benefits to patients." Mu Yang said proudly at an internal company meeting.

In the days to come, Mu Yang will continue to lead the biotechnology company to forge ahead on the road of expanding the clinical application of genetic testing technology, deeply integrate biotechnology culture with medical culture, and contribute more to the cause of human health.