History

Experience MPLN

Celebrating more than 30 years

2023

Launch of Global Laboratory Network for Clinical Trials Support...

Following the rapid expansion and growth of MPLN’s Biopharma Geneuity® Clinical Research Services business, partnerships with ISO15189/CLIA/CAP accredited labs in Europe and Singapore were established. These labs extend our clinical trial services to EMEA and APAC regions and establish MPLN as a truly global specialist molecular pathology laboratory provider. MPLN's worldwide support network
2022

MPLN Supports Large, Global CLL Clinical Trial

MPLN Geneuity™ Clinical Research Services launches partnership with large pharmaceutical company to support a Phase III global clinical trial targeting CLL. Testing involved a multi-modal approach using sequencing of the immunoglobulin variable region gene (IgVH), fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH), and complex karyotyping. Global logistics were optimized to achieve testing within validated stability windows.
2021

Key Opinion Leader (KOL) pathology network launched

MPLN-Biopharma Services forms partnerships with leading US Expert Pathology groups to provide extended therapeutic expertise for its clients. Specialties include Gastrointestinal, Cytology, NASH, Liver, Solid Tumor (Head and Neck, Breast, NSCLC), and dermatopathology. All pathologists are connected to the MPLN Digital Pathology Network.

2020

Expansion of MPLN Biopharma Services

MPLN Geneuity™ Clinical Research Services division expands its global biopharma support with the formation of an experienced commercial and contracts team, dedicated project services group, and scientific data specialists. These teams provide the framework and platform required for future clinical trial business growth while also offering seamless project and data management services to MPLN’s rapidly expanding biopharma, CRO, and IVD client base.
2019

MPLN Validates new NGS Myeloid panel

Detect single nucleotide variants, insertions, deletions, copy number variations, and internal tandem duplications with targeted NGS of 75 genes relevant for acute myeloid leukemia (AML), myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN), myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS), and lymphoid malignancies research.
2018

MPLN supports IVD Study for New Colorectal Cancer Screening Assay

MPLN’s Geneuity™ Clinical Research scientists optimized a colorectal cancer screening assay protocol and tested 12,000 stool samples. Results from the client’s new qRT-PCR assay were cross-compared to two ELISA-based methods. Final results were submitted to the FDA for approval of the new colorectal cancer screening assay.
2017

MPLN becomes approved collaborator with Kolon Life Sciences

Developed assays and studies for the world's first cell & gene therapy for osteoarthritis, TG-C

2016

LIS Blue verion 7.0

Released 4th Generation web-enabled LIS; Permitting global access

2015

ISO15189 accreditation

ISO15189 accreditation obtained making MPLN 7th laboratory in USA to obtain this global distinction; Implemented NGS platforms illumina® MiSeqDx® and Thermo Fisher® PGM® Ion Torrent. Launched NGS assays for Cystic Fibrosis 139, CFTR gene and Solid Tumor NGS Panels. Invested in digital PCR.
2014

Genomic Solutions Division and Next Generation Sequencing

Genomic Solutions Division and Next Generation Sequencing technology launched; purchased 1st first FDA approved illumina MiSeqDX system sold in the US; Invested in 10 color flow cytometry with purchase of Beckman Coulter Navios® flow cytometry systems. Implemented Partners Program with first two large, integrated oncology practices.

2013

Pathology Partnerships Program

Pathology Partnerships Program implementation; Purchased Gen-Probe's PANTHER® System to expand testing for STD's Trichomonas Vaginalis and enable random access loading

2012

IT Infrastructure

MPLN began building the IT infrastructure and colocation facility to support our Next-Generation Sequencing efforts. Modern and mobile-friendly websites were developed for both MPLN and Geneuity, as well as Indigo, the iOS app component of our LIS.

2011

Validated Trichomonas Vaginalis by TMA...

Validated Trichomonas Vaginalis by TMA on Gen-Probe's Tigris® system. Performed 510K data collection for Gen-Probe Panther®

2010

Expanded test menu...

The New Year provides MPLN with ample opportunities to expand its test menu. So far the laboratory has validated several new markers by IHC and CISH, including the DOG1 marker for GIST.

2009

Celebrating 20 years of success...

MPLN, with five laboratories and approximately 130 employees, celebrated its 20th anniversary July 1, 2009. In an effort to make a difference in healthcare for another 20 years, MPLN added the KRAS mutation test and BRAF analysis to the oncology test menu. These tests assist with identifying colorectal cancer patients most likely to show limited clinical response to anti-epidermal growth factor receptor therapies.

2008

MPLN expanded its anatomic pathology...

MPLN expanded its anatomic pathology laboratory and opened a second Ascendant Medical Laboratory in Memphis to serve the West Tennessee medical community. 2008 was another award winning year. MPLN was presented with the Pinnacle Innovator Award by the Knoxville Chamber of Commerce and a marketing award from the Diagnostic Marketing Association. A grassroots effort led by MPLN resulted in proclamations in eight states that recognized May 19 as Phelan-McDermid Syndrome Day and the last week in July as Phelan-McDermid Syndrome Week.

2007

Clinical Research Services

MPLN expanded its clinical research division to form a dedicated clinical trials company, Geneuity™ Clinical Research Services. MPLN also developed an ABL gene mutation test to detect Gleevec® resistance in CML and implemented the JAK2 V617F quantitative assay for chronic myeloproliferative disease. MPLN won a Business Excellence Award from the Knoxville Chamber and two marketing awards from the Diagnostic Marketing Association. MPLN also developed Symphony™, an information exchange system that provides seamless connectivity to clients.

2006

Named the anchor tenant...

MPLN was named the anchor tenant for a future 450-acre R & D Park in Blount County. To meet MPLN’s expected growth over the next three to five years, the new laboratory is expected to be approximately 65-75,000 square feet. MPLN reached 100 employees in 2006, installed Luminex™ technology platform and opened immunohistochemistry laboratory. MPLN was also one of the first regional reference laboratories in the Southeast to offer the CellSearch™ Circulating Tumor Cell, now used as an aid in monitoring metastatic breast, colorectal and prostate cancers.

2005

Opened a clinical reference laboratory...

MPLN opened a clinical reference laboratory, Ascendant Medical Laboratory, in Knoxville, TN., offering routine and specialty testing to clinicians throughout East Tennessee. Ascendant complements MPLN’s offerings and provides a single source for reference laboratory testing. MPLN's Research and Development division participated in its first clinical trial. MPLN also validated CT/NG testing on SurePath™ liquid cytology and was one of the first laboratories in the country to offer CT/NG and HPV testing on both SurePath and ThinPrep® liquid cytology media.

2004

Named a Molecular Center of Excellence...

In early 2004, Roche Diagnostics Corporation designated MPLN as a member of the Molecular Centers of Excellence Alliance. A few months later, MPLN celebrated its 15th anniversary, and opened a cytogenetics laboratory. That same year, MPLN developed quantitative PCR for minimal residual disease detection for chronic myelogenous leukemia and acute promyelocytic leukemia.

2003

MPLN implemented gene rearrangements...

In 2003, MPLN implemented gene rearrangements by PCR, a very fast technique that assesses clonality in lymphoproliferative disorders. Because PCR is extremely sensitive and requires small quantities of DNA, it has been applied to small biopsies and fixed paraffin-embedded tissues.

2002

MPLN expanded its services...

In April 2002, MPLN expanded services by opening a satellite flow cytometry laboratory in Richmond, Va. and a dedicated research and development laboratory in Maryville. The laboratory also implemented UroVysion™ Bladder Cancer screen by FISH, validated HCII HPV assay on SurePath™ liquid cytology, and earned a New York license that year.

2001

MPLN opens new lab...

MPLN opened the doors to a new 27,000-square-foot facility in 2001 in downtown Maryville, where the network's headquarters remain today.

2000

Collaborated with Gen-Probe...

In 2000, MPLN collaborated with Gen-Probe on BCR/ABL by TMA to determine BCR/ABL transcript levels in patients with chronic myeloid leukemia. The laboratory also validated Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae testing on ThinPrep® media, becoming one of the first laboratories in the country to offer CT/NG and HPV testing on a single specimen.

1999

MPLN implemented HER2/neu by FISH...

In 1999, MPLN implemented HER2/neu by FISH, which is used as an adjunct to existing clinical and pathologic information when analyzing prognostic factors in stage II, node-positive breast cancer patients. The laboratory also validated HIV sequence-based mutation analysis and the Hybrid Capture II® assay for human papillomavirus.

1998

A new generation of diagnostic testing...

In June 1998, the complete genome sequence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis was published. The complete sequence of the approximately 4,400,000-base-pair Mycobacterium tuberculosis genome offered the foundation for a new generation of diagnostic testing.

1997

Implemented HER2/neu...

MPLN validated HER2/neu by Oncor, Inc., the first gene-based test for predicting whether a cancer will recur.

1996

The test menu continues to grow...

The test menu MPLN offers continues to grow with a focus on infectious diseases and women’s health, growing at a rate of more than 30 percent.

1995

Obtained license for PCR...

MPLN earned a license from Roche Molecular Systems to perform diagnostic testing using polymerase chain reaction ( PCR ), a Nobel-prize winning technology used to amplify, or copy on a large scale, specific DNA sequences.

1994

Validated Gen-Probe® M. Tuberculosis...

In 1994, MPLN validated Gen-Probe® Mycobacterium tuberculosis by transcription-mediated amplification, a process for increasing the number of target nucleic acid sequences to allow detection of a single nucleic acid molecule.

1993

Developed and validated a quantitative...

MPLN developed and validated a quantitative viral load assay for hepatitis C virus using polymerase chain reaction to reveal the presence of the virus in the blood and confirm an ongoing HCV infection.

1992

Dr. Hubbard was one of the first...

In 1992, Dr. Roger Hubbard, founder, president and CEO of MPLN, graduated from the FBI Forensic DNA Analysis program. He was one of the first laboratory directors to graduate from the program.

1991

Implemented flow cytometry for ploidy...

MPLN implemented flow cytometry for ploidy and leukemia/lymphoma analysis in 1991. With a turnaround time of one day, flow cytometry is highly specific and sensitive for the evaluation of leukemia, lymphoma and other hematological abnormalities.

1990

Implemented gene rearrangements...

In 1990, MPLN implemented gene rearrangements by Southern blot hybridization analysis, which was proven to be a helpful tool to establish clonality in T cell leukemias and lymphomas at that time.

1989

Dr. Roger Hubbard founded MPLN

In 1989, Dr. Roger Hubbard founded MPLN in a 400-square-foot laboratory in Blount Memorial Hospital in Maryville, Tenn. During that first year, MPLN earned CAP accreditation, validated the HPV in situ hybridization assay and was one of the first laboratories in the country to offer testing for human papillomavirus (HPV).

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    Project Management

    Our project managers have strong scientific backgrounds and extensive experience in complex research-based clinical trials. They collaborate with our scientific operations, client services, and commercial operations teams to deliver high-quality, regulatory-compliant testing results on time at every project step.

    Key Features

    • Each study is assigned a dedicated and experienced project manager
    • Studies are typically set up within 6 to 8 weeks of contract signature
    • Project management software tools ensure timely deliveries
    • Onsite customer service teams efficiently resolve queries and deliver reports

    Benefits

    • Accelerated study setup time
    • Responsive communication with the scientific and operational team
    • Testing completed on time and within budget
    • Prompt reporting of critical study data

    Data Management

    The key to a successful clinical trial is accurate, clean, quality data. Our team of data managers provides you with data in customized formats exported to your data management teams from our in-house laboratory information system (LIS).

    Key Features

    • Access to dedicated and experienced data specialists upon contract award
    • Customized reports are agreed upon in study-specific data transfer agreement
    • In-house software development team for custom data solutions
    • Flexible data exports and data transfers

    Benefits

    • Real-time reports for your data and project teams to aid in patient management
    • Guaranteed data integrity and quality
    • Improved decision-making and enhanced patient safety
    • Timely access to accurate, clean data for intermediate or final database lock
    Genomic Solutions

    Genomic Solutions

    Genomic medicine, a vital tool in oncology and drug development by providing deeper, more personalized insights into each patient.
    Beyond informing drug target discovery, validation, and clinical development, it uncovers critical genetic markers that drive disease progression and influence individual treatment responses. This empowers healthcare professionals to create more precise, tailored treatment plans, optimizing medical management based on each patient’s unique genetic profile.

    DNA Solutions – WGS*, WGMS*, WES*, TSO-500 Comp, Pillar OncoReveal
    RNA Solutions – Total RNA-Seq*, RNA exome*, mRNA*
    Liquid Biopsy Solutions – TSO-500 ctDNA, PGDx elio™ plasma complete*

    Key Features

    • Targeted NGS panels, including FDA-approved assays with companion diagnostic designations
    • Customized bioinformatics and reporting solutions 
    • Robust assay designs to accommodate low-yielding biopsy material
    • Streamlined wet lab processes to meet screening window timelines

    Benefits

    • Identify variants along with key biomarker signatures
    • Save time and money by assessing multiple biomarkers in a single test
    • Enable targeted therapies with actionable, easy-to-interpret results
    • Assists in targeted patient stratification and recruitment
    • Accelerates the development of personalized medicine

    *Offered through fully accredited partner laboratories.
    Digital Pathology

    Digital Pathology

    Digital pathology revolutionizes clinical trials by enhancing accessibility, cost-efficiency, compliance, and data management. MPLN’s comprehensive digital pathology services streamline clinical research, allowing for improved patient outcomes and operational efficiency.

    Features:

    • Seamless access to digital slides and slide retrieval enables instant access to digital slides.
    • Cost-effective digital slide management streamlines logistics by reducing the need for physical slide storage and transportation.
    • Digital storage ensures slides remain in perfect condition over time.

    Benefits:

    • Allows key opinion leaders (KOL) and remote client pathologists to be utilized
    • Digital slides can be easily shared, allowing for faster, more collaborative decisions, including obtaining second opinions.
    • Reduces the costs associated with physical storage and transport of slides, improving trial efficiency.
    • Simplifies regulatory processes, ensuring quicker and more accurate FDA submissions and audit readiness.
    • Prevents slide degradation or breakage, maintaining the quality of research data for the long term.
    • Enables broader patient recruitment by facilitating decentralized clinical trials for wider geographic participation, increasing patient recruitment and diversity.
    Global Logistics

    Global Logistics

    Effective global logistics are the cornerstone of effective specialty laboratory testing supporting global clinical trials. With precious patient samples such as biopsy and bone marrow aspirates, ensuring samples reach the lab on time and within stability is paramount.

    Key Features

    • Partnerships with global specialist couriers and large integrators to support global studies and specialty shipping requirements
    • Ambient, refrigerated, frozen, and liquid nitrogen storage and shipment services available
    • Real-time or batched shipments based on your clinical trial’s individual needs
    • Secure, high-volume, redundant data storage solutions for digital pathology images
    • Expert advice for effective sample collection, handling, and transport
    • Accurate tracking and inventory for all clinical trial specimens

    Benefits

    • Safe and effective transport of specimens worldwide
    • Standardized procedures to reduce pre-analytical variability and ensure valid results
    • Centralized and harmonized specialty pathology testing supported
    • Reduced costs and maximized budgets with fully managed logistics from one trusted source
    • Readily available inventories, manifests, and shipments for timely study closeouts
    Multiplex IHC clinical trial services

    IHC & Multiplex IHC

    Our advanced technology enables simultaneous visualization of single or multiple biomarkers within the same tissue section, delivering comprehensive insights and precise diagnostics. With unmatched expertise and cutting-edge technology, our team supports you in understanding complex tissue microenvironments, aiding patient stratification and treatment response prediction.

    Features:

    • Simultaneously visualize multiple biomarkers within the same tissue section for deeper insights.
    • Advanced analysis of tissue microenvironments to assist in patient stratification and treatment response prediction.
    • Custom assay design and flexible testing to meet your unique research or clinical trial needs.
    • Detailed data analysis and interpretation are provided by our expert team to ensure accurate results.

    Benefits:

    • Allows enhanced information from small biopsy samples. (I.e. NSCLC)
    • Gain comprehensive insights that lead to more precise diagnostics and better patient outcomes.
    • Enhanced ability to identify patient subgroups and better predict treatment responses with greater accuracy.
    • Whether in biomarker discovery or clinical trials, our advanced technology supports a range of applications, helping you unlock the full potential of your tissue samples.
    Cytogenetics FISH - clinical trial services

    Cytogenetics & FISH

    We offer a comprehensive range of chromosome analysis and fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) testing with industry-leading turnaround times and global coverage. Our board-certified lab directors and experienced cytogenetic technologists ensure accurate, efficient, and competitively priced testing with the highest quality of service.

    Features:

    • Extensive FISH menu of over 40 loci and disease-specific panels detecting gene amplifications, deletions, translocations, and inversions.
    • Testing is available on bone marrow, blood, and FFPE tissue samples.
    • Specialized Offerings:
      • Plasma cell enrichment for plasma disorders
      • Stat turnaround for PML::RARA and acute myeloid leukemia
      • Bladder cancer urine analysis
      • Custom FISH assay development
    • Comprehensive chromosome analysis testing for oncology, infertility, recurrent pregnancy loss, and congenital disorders.
    • Global coverage of equivocal CAP/CLIA services supporting clinical trials

    Benefits:

    • Rapid, precise results critical for diagnosis and treatment.
    • Expert-driven testing with Board-certified experts ensures the highest accuracy.
    • Tailored assays and solutions to meet unique clinical needs.
    • Faster diagnostics support timely treatment decisions.