Biodesix Enhances Access to Nodify Lung Testing with Launch of New Blood Draw Method

Biodesix, Inc. (Nasdaq: BDSX), a leading diagnostic solutions company with a focus in lung disease, announced today the validation and launch of a new method of collecting blood specimens for Nodify Lung Nodule Risk Assessment testing. The method uses the FDA-cleared Tasso+ device, a single-use blood lancing device intended for obtaining capillary whole blood samples from a patient’s upper arm.

Blood-based Nodify Lung testing, comprised of the Nodify CDT and Nodify XL2 tests, addresses a significant unmet need by assessing the risk of cancer in patients with lung nodules. Biodesix offers a range of venous blood draw services, including an extensive network of mobile phlebotomists and independent laboratories. Capillary blood draws using the Tasso+ device enable blood specimen collection for healthcare providers who do not have convenient access to phlebotomy services or a licensed phlebotomist on staff in the clinic or office. The Tasso+ device was validated by Biodesix to be administered in minutes by any healthcare provider at the time of lung nodule evaluation, creating efficiencies in the Nodify Lung workflow.

“The capillary blood collection device has been extremely useful to deliver high quality patient care,” said Pedro Del Pino, a Thoracic and General Surgeon who works at Oneida Health and is leading lung nodule management efforts in the Oneida area. “Oneida Health is a referral center serving patients in a wide geographical area. This device has allowed us to order Nodify Lung testing when patients are here for visits, ensuring that we get the critical information to inform the shared decision-making process quickly and accelerate the time to diagnosis.”

Biodesix received approval from the New York State Clinical Laboratory Evaluation Program (NYS-CLEP) to use the Tasso+ device as a specimen collection method in support of Nodify Lung testing after entering into a supply agreement with Tasso, Inc. The device is now available for clinical use to collect specimens for Nodify Lung testing.

“Improving patient access to diagnostic tests in all geographies and practice settings is of the utmost importance,” said Kieran O’Kane, Chief Commercial Officer of Biodesix. “We know that physicians serve diverse patient populations, some of whom may have to commute hours to access healthcare services. The Tasso+ device provides a convenient option to collect blood specimens, ensuring that the test results are available in a timely manner and preventing patients from having to make a second trip to have their blood drawn.”