{"success":true,"data":{"pressRelease":{"id":"90226","rtpr_id":"nGNXGFZZS","ticker":"PSTV","exchange":"NASDAQ","all_tickers":["PSTV"],"title":"Plus Therapeutics and Genomic Testing Cooperative Partner to Integrate Next-Generation Sequencing Into the CNSide® CSF Assay Platform","author":"Globe Newswire","published_at":"2026-07-16T11:30:00.322Z","article_body":"HOUSTON and LAKE FOREST, Calif., July 16, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Plus\nTherapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: PSTV) (“Plus” or the “Company”) and\nGenomic Testing Cooperative, LCA (“GTC”) today announced a collaboration\nto integrate GTC’s next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology into the\nCNSide(®) cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) assay platform. The collaboration is\nexpected to enable comprehensive DNA and RNA profiling across hundreds of\nclinically relevant biomarkers from a single CSF specimen, extending CNSide\nfrom guideline-recognized CTC enumeration into the guideline-recognized DNA\nand tumor-derived DNA analytic layer within one integrated platform. The\ncollaboration advances Plus’ three-pillar CNS oncology strategy: targeted\nradiotherapeutics led by REYOBIQ(™) (rhenium Re186 obisbemeda); precision\ndiagnostics anchored by the CNSide CSF platform; and AI-enabled data analytics\nthrough the Company’s strategic partnership with Ephemeral Technologies.\n\nLeptomeningeal metastases (LM) occur in an estimated 5% to 10% of patients\nwith metastatic solid tumors, representing a U.S. addressable population of\nmore than 100,000 patients per year. The CNSide CSF Tumor Cell Enumeration\ntest received dedicated AMA PLA code 0640U, effective July 1, 2026, and the\nCNSide CLIA laboratory is enrolled with Medicare. Commercial payer agreements\ncovered approximately 126 million U.S. lives as of the Company’s most recent\nquarterly update. A recently presented health-economic analysis associated\nCNSide-enabled earlier diagnosis and management of LM with an approximately\n40% reduction in overall LM-related healthcare costs.\n\nStrategic Rationale\n* NCCN alignment. The updated NCCN CNS Cancers Guidelines (Version 2.2026)\nrecognize CSF CTCs alongside tumor-derived DNA and broaden LM terminology from\n“CSF cytology” to “CSF analysis.” CNSide already delivers\nguideline-recognized CTC enumeration; the GTC collaboration adds the\nguideline-recognized DNA and RNA layer within one CLIA-accredited testing\nplatform\n* Foundational data layer. Hundreds of DNA and RNA biomarkers per CSF\nspecimen, combined with CNSide tumor cell and biomarker quantification, create\na uniquely deep longitudinal molecular data set, materially enhancing the\ninputs to Plus’ AI platform with Ephemeral Technologies\n* Expanded market and clinical utility. Positions CNSide as a comprehensive\nCSF-based precision oncology platform across LM and other metastatic CNS\ncancers, supporting broader adoption, higher per-test value, and potentially\ndeeper biopharma engagement\n* Reimbursement leverage. Builds on PLA code 0640U and Medicare enrollment,\nwith future billing pathways for the expanded menu pursued under applicable\npayer requirements\n* Operating leverage. Uses GTC’s sequencing and informatics as a technical\nservice input to the CNSide CLIA laboratory, accelerating menu expansion while\nmanaging capital\n“CNSide is central to building a leading precision oncology platform in\nmetastatic CNS disease, and this collaboration is the foundation of the data\nintelligence engine that will define its next phase,” said Russell Bradley,\nPresident and General Manager of CNSide Diagnostics, LLC. “The updated NCCN\nGuidelines’ recognition of CSF CTCs alongside tumor-derived DNA reinforces\nthe clinical case for a comprehensive CSF molecular profiling platform. By\nadding comprehensive DNA and RNA profiling across hundreds of biomarkers, we\nexpect to generate one of the most complete longitudinal molecular data sets\nin CNS oncology, expanding the addressable market and revenue per test, and\ncreating durable data assets to support payer evidence, translational\nresearch, and pharmaceutical collaborations.”\n\n“Partnering with Plus Therapeutics extends our reach in CSF testing.\nCombining our cell-free DNA and RNA testing with CNSide CTC enumeration\nprovides the most comprehensive evaluation of CSF,” said Maher Albitar,\nM.D., Chief Executive Officer and Chief Medical Officer of Genomic Testing\nCooperative. “Working with CNSide Diagnostics as the laboratory of record\nrepresents another expansion of our Cooperative business model. This model\nwill help in building a uniquely rich standardized CSF-based molecular data\nresource for clinicians and researchers, aligned with the growing role of\nadvanced CSF biomarkers reflected in the updated NCCN Guidelines.”\n\nAbout Plus Therapeutics\n\nPlus Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: PSTV) is a specialty CNS oncology company\nintegrating targeted radiotherapeutics, precision diagnostics, and AI-enabled\ndata analytics for patients with central nervous system cancers. The\nCompany’s lead investigational therapeutic is REYOBIQ(™) (rhenium Re186\nobisbemeda), an injectable radiotherapy in clinical development for recurrent\nglioblastoma, leptomeningeal metastases, and pediatric brain cancers. Through\nits wholly owned subsidiary, CNSide Diagnostics, LLC, the Company\ncommercializes the CNSide(®) CSF assay platform as a laboratory developed\ntest performed in a CLIA-certified clinical laboratory. The Company is also\nadvancing a strategic AI partnership with Ephemeral Technologies to integrate\nits therapeutic, diagnostic, and bioinformatic data sets. For more\ninformation, visit www.plustherapeutics.com.\n\nAbout Genomic Testing Cooperative\n\nGenomic Testing Cooperative, LCA is an oncology diagnostic laboratory built\naround a cooperative business model that partners with laboratories,\nhospitals, oncology practices, and medical professionals to deliver\ncomprehensive DNA and RNA genomic profiling using next-generation sequencing,\ninformatics tools, and AI-enabled interpretation.\n\nForward-Looking Statements and Important Disclosures\n\nCNSide is performed as a laboratory developed test (LDT) in the CNSide\nDiagnostics CLIA-certified laboratory and has not been cleared or approved by\nthe FDA; REYOBIQ(™) is investigational and has not been approved by the FDA\nfor any indication. References to the NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in\nOncology (NCCN Guidelines(®)) are for informational purposes only; NCCN makes\nno warranties regarding their content, use, or application, does not endorse\nany product, therapy, or service, and the referenced update to the CNS Cancers\nGuidelines (Version 2.2026) does not constitute an endorsement of the\nCNSide(®) CSF assay platform, any expanded CNSide menu, or the GTC\ncollaboration. References to PLA code 0640U, Medicare enrollment, and\ncommercial payer coverage are factual and do not constitute an endorsement by\nthe AMA, CAP, CMS, or any payer, or a coverage determination for any expanded\nNGS-enabled CNSide menu that is not yet commercially available. The Company\nintends to conduct any menu expansion in compliance with applicable CLIA, FDA,\nCMS, AMA, CAP, and state requirements, with billing submitted by the CNSide\nCLIA laboratory under its PLA code. CPT(®) is a registered trademark of the\nAmerican Medical Association.\n\nThis press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of\nthe Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including statements\nregarding the anticipated benefits, scope, timing, and structure of the GTC\ncollaboration; the number and clinical utility of DNA and RNA biomarkers to be\nassayed; CNSide Diagnostics serving as the laboratory of record and billing\nentity; the scope, timing, and clinical utility of any expanded CNSide menu;\nthe size of the CNSide market opportunity and the Company’s 2026 commercial\nobjectives; expectations regarding payer coverage, reimbursement, and billing\ncode expansion; the development and potential approval of REYOBIQ(™); the\nanticipated benefits, scope, and timing of the Company’s strategic AI\npartnership with Ephemeral Technologies; the Company’s strategy of\nintegrating diagnostics, therapeutics, and data analytics; the alignment of\nCNSide with evolving clinical practice guidelines, including the NCCN CNS\nCancers Guidelines; and the Company’s future performance, strategy, and\nvalue creation. Forward-looking statements are based on current expectations\nand are subject to risks and uncertainties — including those relating to LDT\nregulation, PLA code single-laboratory and ADLT considerations, validation and\ncommercialization of expanded CNSide menu offerings, payer coverage and\nreimbursement, REYOBIQ clinical and regulatory outcomes, performance and\ncontinuation of third-party collaborations (including with GTC and Ephemeral),\nevolution of clinical practice guidelines, data privacy and cybersecurity,\ncapital availability, and macroeconomic and healthcare policy conditions —\nthat could cause actual results to differ materially. Additional risk factors\nare described in the Company’s SEC filings, including its most recent Form\n10-K and subsequent Forms 10-Q and 8-K, available at www.sec.gov. Readers are\ncautioned not to place undue reliance on these statements, which speak only as\nof the date of this release; the Company assumes no obligation to update them\nexcept as required by law. CNSide(®) and REYOBIQ(™) are trademarks of Plus\nTherapeutics, Inc. or its subsidiaries.\n\nContacts\n\nInvestor Contact: CORE IR — investor@plustherapeutics.com |\nwww.plustherapeutics.com/investors\nGenomic Testing Cooperative Media Contact: Cara Stewart, WunderMarx Inc., +1\n949-290-5563, \ncara@wundermarx.com\n\n(https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/92d7aa70-e37d-4870-bccf-d83b68ba5612)\n\n\n\nGlobeNewswire, Inc. 2026","article_body_html":"","raw_payload":{"data":{"id":"nGNXGFZZS","title":"Plus Therapeutics and Genomic Testing Cooperative Partner to Integrate Next-Generation Sequencing Into the CNSide® CSF Assay Platform","author":"Globe Newswire","ticker":"PSTV","created":"2026-07-16T11:30:00.322Z","tickers":["PSTV"],"exchange":"NASDAQ","article_body":"HOUSTON and LAKE FOREST, Calif., July 16, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Plus\nTherapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: PSTV) (“Plus” or the “Company”) and\nGenomic Testing Cooperative, LCA (“GTC”) today announced a collaboration\nto integrate GTC’s next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology into the\nCNSide(®) cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) assay platform. The collaboration is\nexpected to enable comprehensive DNA and RNA profiling across hundreds of\nclinically relevant biomarkers from a single CSF specimen, extending CNSide\nfrom guideline-recognized CTC enumeration into the guideline-recognized DNA\nand tumor-derived DNA analytic layer within one integrated platform. The\ncollaboration advances Plus’ three-pillar CNS oncology strategy: targeted\nradiotherapeutics led by REYOBIQ(™) (rhenium Re186 obisbemeda); precision\ndiagnostics anchored by the CNSide CSF platform; and AI-enabled data analytics\nthrough the Company’s strategic partnership with Ephemeral Technologies.\n\nLeptomeningeal metastases (LM) occur in an estimated 5% to 10% of patients\nwith metastatic solid tumors, representing a U.S. addressable population of\nmore than 100,000 patients per year. The CNSide CSF Tumor Cell Enumeration\ntest received dedicated AMA PLA code 0640U, effective July 1, 2026, and the\nCNSide CLIA laboratory is enrolled with Medicare. Commercial payer agreements\ncovered approximately 126 million U.S. lives as of the Company’s most recent\nquarterly update. A recently presented health-economic analysis associated\nCNSide-enabled earlier diagnosis and management of LM with an approximately\n40% reduction in overall LM-related healthcare costs.\n\nStrategic Rationale\n* NCCN alignment. The updated NCCN CNS Cancers Guidelines (Version 2.2026)\nrecognize CSF CTCs alongside tumor-derived DNA and broaden LM terminology from\n“CSF cytology” to “CSF analysis.” CNSide already delivers\nguideline-recognized CTC enumeration; the GTC collaboration adds the\nguideline-recognized DNA and RNA layer within one CLIA-accredited testing\nplatform\n* Foundational data layer. Hundreds of DNA and RNA biomarkers per CSF\nspecimen, combined with CNSide tumor cell and biomarker quantification, create\na uniquely deep longitudinal molecular data set, materially enhancing the\ninputs to Plus’ AI platform with Ephemeral Technologies\n* Expanded market and clinical utility. Positions CNSide as a comprehensive\nCSF-based precision oncology platform across LM and other metastatic CNS\ncancers, supporting broader adoption, higher per-test value, and potentially\ndeeper biopharma engagement\n* Reimbursement leverage. Builds on PLA code 0640U and Medicare enrollment,\nwith future billing pathways for the expanded menu pursued under applicable\npayer requirements\n* Operating leverage. Uses GTC’s sequencing and informatics as a technical\nservice input to the CNSide CLIA laboratory, accelerating menu expansion while\nmanaging capital\n“CNSide is central to building a leading precision oncology platform in\nmetastatic CNS disease, and this collaboration is the foundation of the data\nintelligence engine that will define its next phase,” said Russell Bradley,\nPresident and General Manager of CNSide Diagnostics, LLC. “The updated NCCN\nGuidelines’ recognition of CSF CTCs alongside tumor-derived DNA reinforces\nthe clinical case for a comprehensive CSF molecular profiling platform. By\nadding comprehensive DNA and RNA profiling across hundreds of biomarkers, we\nexpect to generate one of the most complete longitudinal molecular data sets\nin CNS oncology, expanding the addressable market and revenue per test, and\ncreating durable data assets to support payer evidence, translational\nresearch, and pharmaceutical collaborations.”\n\n“Partnering with Plus Therapeutics extends our reach in CSF testing.\nCombining our cell-free DNA and RNA testing with CNSide CTC enumeration\nprovides the most comprehensive evaluation of CSF,” said Maher Albitar,\nM.D., Chief Executive Officer and Chief Medical Officer of Genomic Testing\nCooperative. “Working with CNSide Diagnostics as the laboratory of record\nrepresents another expansion of our Cooperative business model. This model\nwill help in building a uniquely rich standardized CSF-based molecular data\nresource for clinicians and researchers, aligned with the growing role of\nadvanced CSF biomarkers reflected in the updated NCCN Guidelines.”\n\nAbout Plus Therapeutics\n\nPlus Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: PSTV) is a specialty CNS oncology company\nintegrating targeted radiotherapeutics, precision diagnostics, and AI-enabled\ndata analytics for patients with central nervous system cancers. The\nCompany’s lead investigational therapeutic is REYOBIQ(™) (rhenium Re186\nobisbemeda), an injectable radiotherapy in clinical development for recurrent\nglioblastoma, leptomeningeal metastases, and pediatric brain cancers. Through\nits wholly owned subsidiary, CNSide Diagnostics, LLC, the Company\ncommercializes the CNSide(®) CSF assay platform as a laboratory developed\ntest performed in a CLIA-certified clinical laboratory. The Company is also\nadvancing a strategic AI partnership with Ephemeral Technologies to integrate\nits therapeutic, diagnostic, and bioinformatic data sets. For more\ninformation, visit www.plustherapeutics.com.\n\nAbout Genomic Testing Cooperative\n\nGenomic Testing Cooperative, LCA is an oncology diagnostic laboratory built\naround a cooperative business model that partners with laboratories,\nhospitals, oncology practices, and medical professionals to deliver\ncomprehensive DNA and RNA genomic profiling using next-generation sequencing,\ninformatics tools, and AI-enabled interpretation.\n\nForward-Looking Statements and Important Disclosures\n\nCNSide is performed as a laboratory developed test (LDT) in the CNSide\nDiagnostics CLIA-certified laboratory and has not been cleared or approved by\nthe FDA; REYOBIQ(™) is investigational and has not been approved by the FDA\nfor any indication. References to the NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in\nOncology (NCCN Guidelines(®)) are for informational purposes only; NCCN makes\nno warranties regarding their content, use, or application, does not endorse\nany product, therapy, or service, and the referenced update to the CNS Cancers\nGuidelines (Version 2.2026) does not constitute an endorsement of the\nCNSide(®) CSF assay platform, any expanded CNSide menu, or the GTC\ncollaboration. References to PLA code 0640U, Medicare enrollment, and\ncommercial payer coverage are factual and do not constitute an endorsement by\nthe AMA, CAP, CMS, or any payer, or a coverage determination for any expanded\nNGS-enabled CNSide menu that is not yet commercially available. The Company\nintends to conduct any menu expansion in compliance with applicable CLIA, FDA,\nCMS, AMA, CAP, and state requirements, with billing submitted by the CNSide\nCLIA laboratory under its PLA code. CPT(®) is a registered trademark of the\nAmerican Medical Association.\n\nThis press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of\nthe Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including statements\nregarding the anticipated benefits, scope, timing, and structure of the GTC\ncollaboration; the number and clinical utility of DNA and RNA biomarkers to be\nassayed; CNSide Diagnostics serving as the laboratory of record and billing\nentity; the scope, timing, and clinical utility of any expanded CNSide menu;\nthe size of the CNSide market opportunity and the Company’s 2026 commercial\nobjectives; expectations regarding payer coverage, reimbursement, and billing\ncode expansion; the development and potential approval of REYOBIQ(™); the\nanticipated benefits, scope, and timing of the Company’s strategic AI\npartnership with Ephemeral Technologies; the Company’s strategy of\nintegrating diagnostics, therapeutics, and data analytics; the alignment of\nCNSide with evolving clinical practice guidelines, including the NCCN CNS\nCancers Guidelines; and the Company’s future performance, strategy, and\nvalue creation. Forward-looking statements are based on current expectations\nand are subject to risks and uncertainties — including those relating to LDT\nregulation, PLA code single-laboratory and ADLT considerations, validation and\ncommercialization of expanded CNSide menu offerings, payer coverage and\nreimbursement, REYOBIQ clinical and regulatory outcomes, performance and\ncontinuation of third-party collaborations (including with GTC and Ephemeral),\nevolution of clinical practice guidelines, data privacy and cybersecurity,\ncapital availability, and macroeconomic and healthcare policy conditions —\nthat could cause actual results to differ materially. Additional risk factors\nare described in the Company’s SEC filings, including its most recent Form\n10-K and subsequent Forms 10-Q and 8-K, available at www.sec.gov. Readers are\ncautioned not to place undue reliance on these statements, which speak only as\nof the date of this release; the Company assumes no obligation to update them\nexcept as required by law. CNSide(®) and REYOBIQ(™) are trademarks of Plus\nTherapeutics, Inc. or its subsidiaries.\n\nContacts\n\nInvestor Contact: CORE IR — investor@plustherapeutics.com |\nwww.plustherapeutics.com/investors\nGenomic Testing Cooperative Media Contact: Cara Stewart, WunderMarx Inc., +1\n949-290-5563, \ncara@wundermarx.com\n\n(https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/92d7aa70-e37d-4870-bccf-d83b68ba5612)\n\n\n\nGlobeNewswire, Inc. 2026"},"type":"article","timestamp":"2026-07-16T11:30:00.362189709Z","server_sent_at_ms":1784201400362},"received_at":"2026-07-16T11:30:00.799Z","source_url":"https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2026/07/16/3328365/0/en/Plus-Therapeutics-and-Genomic-Testing-Cooperative-Partner-to-Integrate-Next-Generation-Sequencing-Into-the-CNSide-CSF-Assay-Platform.html"},"analysis":{"id":"79278","press_release_id":"90226","analysis_json":{"industry":{"label":"Biotechnology","sector":"Health Care"},"redFlags":[],"eventType":"partnership","narrative":"Plus Therapeutics partnered with Genomic Testing Cooperative to integrate next-generation sequencing into its CNSide platform, enabling comprehensive DNA and RNA profiling from a single CSF specimen.\n\nThe expansion aligns with updated NCCN CNS Cancers Guidelines and leverages existing reimbursement coverage for 126 million U.S. lives, targeting an addressable population of over 100,000 patients annually.\n\nThe collaboration is expected to enhance revenue per test and create a longitudinal molecular data set to support the company's AI-enabled analytics strategy.","sentiment":"bullish","agentHooks":{"shouldPost":true,"suggestedAngle":"NGS integration boosts CNSide diagnostic capabilities and revenue potential, leveraging existing 126M-life payer coverage."},"keyFigures":{"customDimensions":{"lm_occurrence_rate":"5% to 10%","addressable_patients_us":"100,000","lives_covered_commercial":"126 million","healthcare_cost_reduction":"40%"}},"quotedText":"CNSide is central to building a leading 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