Fortis, Agilus Expand Rapid Genomic Testing with Second Genexus System

The initiative focuses on enabling faster, Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS)- based cancer diagnostics.

Fortis Memorial Research Institute (FMRI), Gurugram, in collaboration with Agilus Diagnostics, has launched its second Ion Torrent Genexus system, aiming to scale India’s rapid genomic testing programme for cancer patients.

The initiative focuses on enabling faster, Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS)- based cancer diagnostics.

The Genexus platform supports Liquid Biopsy results in 24 hours, Myeloid NGS in 72 hours, and minimal residual disease (MRD) testing within five days, considerably shorter than the several weeks typically required with conventional testing.

“With the addition of the second Genexus system, we can scale our rapid NGS workflow for AML and other hematologic malignancies across more patients and regions. Genomics is not the future anymore – it is the present. Every mutation tells a story. With faster and deeper insights, we’re making better treatment decisions and giving our patients a genuine shot at survival and long-term remission,” said Dr Rahul Bhargava, Principal Director and Chief – Haematology and Bone Marrow Transplant at FMRI.

According to data from Fortis and Agilus, the rapid NGS programme has led to tangible changes in clinical practice. The proportion of patients receiving targeted therapies has increased from 11 percent to over 40 percent. Bone marrow transplant waiting periods have reduced from four months to under three, while early mortality within 30 days of diagnosis has reportedly declined by more than half. One-year survival has also improved by 8 percent for patients benefiting from the rapid diagnostic pathway.

Dr Anand K, MD & CEO of Agilus Diagnostics, stated, “With the second Genexus system in place, we are better positioned to democratise access to advanced molecular diagnostics, delivering results, but truly actionable insights in record time. This marks a critical step in bringing personalised medicine closer to every Indian cancer patient.”

The joint programme integrates Fortis’ clinical network with Agilus’ diagnostic infrastructure, facilitating collaboration between haematologists, oncologists, molecular pathologists, and bioinformaticians to improve accessibility to timely genomic insights.

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