Today: Nov 02, 2024

Illumina CCO exits, takes helm at liquid biopsy startup Delfi.

10 months ago

TLDR:

  • Susan Tousi, chief commercial officer for Illumina, is leaving the company to become CEO of cancer liquid-biopsy startup Delfi Diagnostics.
  • Tousi’s appointment is part of Delfi’s effort to expand its commercial efforts and build on the initial launch of its lung cancer screening test.
  • Earlier this year, Illumina announced that it would divest of Grail, a company it acquired two years earlier, after facing regulatory challenges.

Susan Tousi, the chief commercial officer for genomics giant Illumina, is leaving the company to become the new CEO of Delfi Diagnostics, a cancer liquid-biopsy startup. Tousi’s selection is part of Delfi’s push to expand its commercial efforts and capitalize on the growing interest in the liquid biopsy market. Delfi recently launched a lung cancer screening test and aims to leverage Tousi’s experience to further its expansion within the industry.

Tousi’s departure from Illumina comes after the company decided to divest its subsidiary Grail, which it acquired for $8 billion. Illumina had initially planned to enter the liquid biopsy market with Grail, but faced regulatory challenges that ultimately led to the decision to divest the company. Despite this setback, Illumina remains a major player in the genomics industry.

The liquid biopsy market is rapidly expanding as more companies seek to develop innovative ways to detect early signs of cancer through routine blood draws. Delfi’s focus on liquid biopsy technology aligns with the broader industry trend, as liquid biopsies are increasingly seen as a promising method for early cancer detection. By leveraging Tousi’s experience in the genomics industry, Delfi hopes to accelerate its growth and make strides in the liquid biopsy market.