Agilent that it has received FDA approval for the use of MAGE-A4 IHC 1F9 pharmDx (SK032) as a diagnostic tool to aid in identifying patients with synovial sarcoma who may be eligible for treatment with TECELRA® (afamitresgene autoleucel, also known as afami-cel or ADP-A2M4), a MAGE-A4-directed engineered TCR T-Cell therapy.

MAGE-A4 (melanoma-associated antigen A4) is a cancer-testis antigen overexpressed in various cancers, including synovial sarcoma. MAGE-A4 IHC 1F9 pharmDx is an immunohistochemistry (IHC) assay used to detect MAGE-A4 expression in formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) synovial sarcoma tissue. MAGE-A4 positivity in synovial sarcoma is a biomarker of eligibility for treatment with TECELRA®. MAGE-A4 IHC 1F9 pharmDx is the first IVD for MAGE-A4 available on the market.

“MAGE-A4 plays a significant role in cancer research and holds promise as a therapeutic target. The FDA’s approval of Agilent’s MAGE-A4 IHC 1F9 pharmDx will expand treatment options for individuals diagnosed with synovial sarcoma,” stated Lou Welebob, vice president and general manager of Agilent’s Pathology Division. “This endorsement amplifies Agilent’s pioneering role in shaping companion diagnostics for groundbreaking cancer therapies.”

TECELRA is a prescription medicine approved for advanced MAGE-A4 positive synovial sarcoma in adults with certain HLA types who have received prior chemotherapy. TECELRA is the first FDA-approved engineered TCR T-Cell therapy for a solid tumor cancer.