Biocept (NASDAQ: BIOC), a leading molecular oncology diagnostics company, reported a net loss for the second quarter. Revenues increased sharply and topped the Street view, while the bottom-line missed. The stock gained modestly Monday evening, after the announcement.

Revenues surged 45% annually to $1.19 million, beating the estimate by a wide margin. The top-line benefitted from the management’s revised commercial strategy. Commercial samples were up 26% compared to the second quarter of 2018, reflecting the management’s special focus on the liquid biopsy oncology market.

During the second quarter, Biocept accessioned 1,066 commercial samples. It also accessioned 1,211 billable samples, compared to 996 samples last year.

diagnostics
Image for representation only. Courtesy: Michal Jarmoluk (Pixabay)

The company reported a net loss of $7.81 million or $0.38 per share for the quarter, compared to a loss of $6.15 million or $2.70 per share last year. Analysts were expecting flat earnings.

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Research & development expenses rose 10% annually to $1.1 billion, owing mainly to investments in automation and development of the recently launched Target Selector NGS Lung and Target Selecto NGS Breast liquid biopsy panels. 

“We believe this partnership will allow us to commercialize data generated from our liquid biopsy testing, with Prognos applying its artificial intelligence technology to its repository of more than 20 billion laboratory records to help life science and pharmaceutical companies develop and market targeted therapies,” said CEO Michael Nall.

Related: Biocept Q1 2019 Earnings Conference Call Transcript

During the quarter, the company rolled out Target Selector NGS Lung Panel and Target Selector NGS Breast Panel, its first two multi-gene liquid biopsy panels. Also, the management entered into a business partnership with Beacon Laboratory Benefit Solutions, a provider of laboratory benefit management technology solutions.

Biocept shares are currently trading close to the levels seen at the beginning of the year. The stock, which lost about 69% since last year, closed Monday’s regular session higher.

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