Massive Bio, NeoGenomics announce collaboration

Massive Bio, a private AI-enabled oncology startup that provides virtual and in-person concierge services for cancer patients, and NeoGenomics, a leading provider of cancer-focused genetic testing services and global oncology contract research services, announced a collaboration with the goal of accelerating the development of new cancer therapies and ultimately improving the lives of millions of cancer patients around the world.

NeoGenomics will identify patients in real time who may be eligible for clinical trials based on biomarker status.

Health network supports small businesses

Employees missing work from illness is estimated to cost about $3,600 per year for each hourly worker and $2,660 each year for salaried workers, according to “Absenteeism: The Bottom-Line Killer” by Circadian. Indirect costs include the possibility of poorquality goods and services due to overtime fatigue or understaffing, manager time, safety issues, reduced productivity and lower worker morale for having to cover for missing employees.

These are just a few of the reasons that Professional Wellness Month in June notes the importance of employee health because of its role in driving business success, attracting top talent and retaining employees.

But small businesses are often focused on keeping the lights on, keeping shifts staffed and managing rising expenses, which can sometimes make employee wellness goals difficult to reach.

Even with the best employer-supported health insurance, another challenge to employee wellness can be access to health services. The U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration designates nearly all of Southwest Florida as a “Medically Underserved Area,” meaning there are too few primary care providers for the growing population. Access to primary care is critical because of its role in prevention, chronic disease management and as an overall entry point to the health care system.

Healthcare Network, the only Federally Qualified Health Center in Collier County, provides the same high-quality primary care to all residents of Southwest Florida, regardless of insurance or job status. Accepting most private and public health insurances, Healthcare Network also offers qualified patients a sliding scale for fees based on family

BY JAIME ULMER Guest

size and income. Indeed.com notes one critical component of employee wellness is the availability of mental health services. This can also be a challenge because Florida is ranked 49th in the nation for access to mental health care, according to Mental Health America.

Healthcare Network offers mental and behavioral health screening and consultation as part of primary care. If additional mental and behavioral treatment is needed, the new Center for Psychology and Wellness at Nichols Community Health Center offers behavioral health services for children, adolescents, adults and seniors in person or via telehealth in English, Spanish and Haitian Creole, without a physician referral. In addition, Healthcare Network offers dental care for children and adults, with or without dental insurance, a benefit that is often difficult for small businesses to provide employees.

When the community is healthy, everyone benefits. Fewer employees call out sick, children do not miss as many days of school and learning is not impaired by unmet health needs. Healthy workers spend money in their communities and consumer demand results in more jobs.

Jamie Ulmer is president and CEO of Healthcare Network. For information or an appointment, visit healthcareswfl. org.

Following initial contact and outreach provided directly from NeoGenomics to the treating physician, Massive Bio will help obtain patient consent and expediate additional screening and potential enrollment. This partnership will help to quickly identify patients eligible for clinical trials and help patients and providers make an informed decision regarding their potential treatment avenue.

By combining their respective strengths in biomarker testing, data analysis, machine learning and biomarker and genomic profiling, the collaboration between NeoGenomics and Massive Bio have achieved a significant milestone in the oncology industry.

“Our mission at Massive Bio is to provide cancer patients with the best possible care and treatment options,” said Selin Kurnaz, CEO and co-founder of Massive Bio. “By partnering with NeoGenomics, a leading player in the cancer diagnostics industry that shares Massive Bio’s commitment to advancing cancer research and improving patient outcomes, we can leverage their expertise in oncology diagnostics to accelerate the identification of patients who may be eligible for clinical trials.”

“NeoGenomics’ advanced diagnostic tools and U.S. footprint, combined with Massive Bio’s AI capabilities and concierge services in oncology, will enable us to match patients to clinical trials faster and more efficiently, resulting in improved outcomes and reduced costs,” said Vishal Sikri, president of the Advanced Diagnostics Division of NeoGenomics. “We are thrilled to partner with Massive Bio to advance precision medicine and improve the delivery of healthcare services to patients, pharmaceutical partners, and healthcare providers.”

Dr. Arturo Loaiza-Bonilla, cofounder and chief medical officer of Massive Bio, added, “This collaboration between NeoGenomics and Massive Bio will enable us to provide patients with personalized care and support throughout their cancer journey, and move the needle forward in precision oncology and research.”