Fortis and Agilus expand rapid genomic testing capabilities with launch of second Genexus System

In a significant advancement towards precision medicine, Fortis Memorial Research Institute (FMRI), Gurugram, in collaboration with Agilus Diagnostics, has launched its second Genexus system, further strengthening the nation’s fastest and most scalable rapid genomic testing programme.

The Genexus platform enables Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) with an unparalleled turnaround time - delivering crucial results such as Liquid Biopsy in 24 hours, Myeloid NGS in 72 hours, and Minimal residual disease (MRD) testing within 5 days. These timeframes significantly outperform traditional diagnostic methods, which often take weeks and offer limited insight into genetic complexity.

Owing to the rapid NGS (Next-Generation Sequencing) programme at Fortis and Agilus, doctors can now uncover the genetic reasons behind a person’s cancer in just a few days - something that used to take weeks. This breakthrough has led to real and meaningful improvements in patient care:

• Patients start the right treatment much sooner - With faster test results, doctors can match patients to the most effective, personalised treatments based on their unique genetic profile. In fact, over 40% of patients received targeted therapies, compared to just 11% earlier when results took much longer.
• Life-saving transplants are happening earlier - For patients who need a bone marrow transplant, everyday counts. Before this program, most patients waited nearly 4 months before they could proceed. Now, with faster diagnostics, that wait has dropped to under 3 months - giving patients a better chance at recovery.
• Fewer patients are dying in the first month of treatment - Early treatment decisions are critical in blood cancers like leukaemia. With rapid test results, doctors can act quickly  cutting the number of early deaths (within 30 days of diagnosis) by more than half.
• More patients are living longer - After one year, survival rates were 8% higher among patients who benefited from the rapid NGS programme. That’s a significant improvement and offers new hope to patients and families battling aggressive cancers.

As Fortis and Agilus accelerate the rollout of AI-enabled genomics and integrated tumour boards, the addition of this new system marks a leap forward in India’s journey toward precision oncology at scale.