Allegro Diagnostics named Duncan Whitney to be its new vice president of research and development.
Whitney’s resumé includes stints at Exact Sciences Corp. (NSDQ:EXAS), U.S. Genomics Inc. and Progenika Inc.
The Boston-based molecular diagnostics firm is developing a genetic test for lung cancer, BronchoGen, which analyzes RNA from cells lining the bronchial airway to measure gene expression levels, according to a press release. The company claims to have identified genes that are either over-expressed or under-expressed in current or former smokers who developed lung cancer. Allegro is launching a clinical trial of the test under an investigational device exemption from the Food & Drug Administration, according to the release.
In October 2009, Allegro landed a $2.8 million grant to fund the 800-patient, 12-site study in the U.S.
