Cell Search

Cell Search commercializes the first and only FDA-cleared test for capturing and enumerating circulating tumor cells (CTCs) from a blood sample. Its CELLSEARCH® system is positioned as the gold standard for prognostic monitoring in metastatic breast, prostate, and colorectal cancer, providing actionable data on progression-free and overall survival. The company operates primarily through a diagnostics business model, offering its test kits and associated instrumentation to clinical laboratories. As a commercial-stage entity with an approved product, its focus is on market penetration and supporting clinical utility.

Fully automated system for immunomagnetic capture (using EpCAM antibodies) and fluorescent staining of Circulating Tumor Cells (CTCs) from whole blood. Includes proprietary preservative tubes, sample prep automation, and semi-automated fluorescence microscopy for enumeration.

Cell Search competes in the liquid biopsy market against companies offering cfDNA-based tests (e.g., Guardant Health, Foundation Medicine, Natera) and other CTC detection platforms. Its key differentiator is its FDA-cleared status and extensive clinical validation for prognosis in three metastatic cancers, but it faces pressure from more comprehensive genomic profiling assays.