FRIENDSWOOD, Texas, May 12, 2026
Castle Biosciences announced that its AdvanceAD-Tx™ gene expression profiling test received the prestigious 2026 MedTech Breakthrough Award for Genomics Innovation, recognizing the company’s expanding role in precision dermatology and molecular diagnostics. The award highlights the growing clinical importance of genomic technologies capable of guiding personalized treatment decisions for patients with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis (AD). The achievement marks the fifth MedTech Breakthrough Award earned by Castle Biosciences, reinforcing the company’s position as a leading innovator in molecular diagnostics and precision medicine.
AdvanceAD-Tx Uses Genomics to Personalize Atopic Dermatitis Therapy
The award-winning AdvanceAD-Tx platform is a non-invasive gene expression profile (GEP) test designed to help physicians select the most appropriate systemic therapy for patients aged 12 years and older with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis. Unlike traditional treatment selection approaches that rely primarily on visible symptoms and clinical judgment, AdvanceAD-Tx evaluates the expression of 487 genes across 12 inflammatory and skin biology pathways using lesional skin scraping samples without requiring surgical biopsy procedures.
Castle Biosciences stated that the test generates one of two actionable molecular classifications: a JAK Inhibitor Responder Profile or a T-helper 2 (Th2) Molecular Profile, allowing clinicians to align therapy with the biological mechanisms driving an individual patient’s disease. The company emphasized that this personalized approach may reduce ineffective treatment cycling, improve patient outcomes, and support faster therapeutic response.
Clinical validation findings presented by the company showed that patients identified with a JAK inhibitor responder profile who received JAK inhibitor therapy were 5.5 times more likely to achieve near-clear skin (EASI-90) compared with patients treated using Th2-targeted therapies. Researchers also observed significantly faster response rates, improved itch reduction, fewer disease flares, and better quality-of-life outcomes among genomically matched patients.
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Molecular Diagnostics Expands Precision Dermatology Market
The recognition of AdvanceAD-Tx reflects broader growth across the global precision dermatology and molecular diagnostics industry, where genomic profiling technologies are increasingly being integrated into routine clinical decision-making. Atopic dermatitis affects millions of patients worldwide and remains biologically heterogeneous, making treatment selection particularly challenging for physicians managing severe disease. Traditional prescribing approaches often require patients to cycle through multiple therapies before achieving adequate disease control.
Castle Biosciences stated that AdvanceAD-Tx was developed specifically to provide clinicians with objective molecular insights capable of improving treatment confidence and reducing uncertainty in therapy selection. The company believes molecular-guided prescribing may become increasingly important as the number of biologic therapies and targeted immune modulators for inflammatory skin diseases continues to expand globally.
The MedTech Breakthrough Awards program recognizes innovation across healthcare technology sectors including genomics, medical devices, digital health, clinical administration, and precision medicine. According to the organization, this year’s competition received a record number of submissions from companies across more than 20 countries, highlighting accelerating global investment in advanced healthcare technologies and AI-driven medical innovation.
Castle Biosciences Strengthens Genomics Leadership Position
Castle Biosciences has steadily expanded its portfolio of molecular diagnostic tests across dermatologic and gastroenterological diseases, with products including DecisionDx®-Melanoma, TissueCypher®, DecisionDx®-SCC, and MyPath Melanoma®. The company has increasingly focused on combining advanced genomic profiling, machine learning algorithms, and clinical validation studies to support personalized treatment planning across multiple disease areas.
TThe company recently reported strong first-quarter 2026 financial results with rising test volumes and increased revenue guidance, reflecting continued adoption of its precision diagnostic platforms. Industry analysts believe Castle Biosciences is positioning itself as a major player in the rapidly expanding precision medicine sector as healthcare providers increasingly prioritize data-driven, biology-informed treatment strategies.
Castle executives stated that the AdvanceAD-Tx recognition validates the company’s long-term strategy of developing clinically actionable molecular diagnostics capable of improving physician decision-making and patient outcomes. As precision medicine adoption accelerates across dermatology and chronic inflammatory diseases, genomic profiling technologies like AdvanceAD-Tx are expected to play a growing role in personalized healthcare delivery and targeted therapy optimization.
Source: Castle Biosciences press release
