Technology
In our quest to make precision oncology a reality, we developed re-usable Dx-oriented technological platforms (and some other simpler solutions) that enable and facilitate our development of new products and reduce the industrialisation and logistic uncertainties
NOLO-Express
Gene expression analysis from cancer tissues has reached a pivotal stage in the field of Oncology. Numerous gene expression signatures now play a crucial role in guiding clinical decisions. Among these, our innovative platform, HepatoPredict, stands out. By combining gene expression data with relevant clinical variables, HepatoPredict provides valuable prognostic information to aid clinicians in making informed choices.
However, analyzing gene expression from limited tissue samples—especially those subjected to the rigorous formalin fixation process—poses unique challenges. Sensitive reagents are essential, often requiring cold storage and transportation. Unfortunately, maintaining a cold chain significantly escalates the logistical costs associated with any gene expression signature.
We developed NOLO-Express, a proprietary gene expression measuring system where all steps from RNA extraction, quality controls and reaction mixtures are compatible with Room Temperature storage and transport, i.e. do not require a cold chain. NOLO-Express has a technical performance equivalent to some of the best gene expression detection systems on the market today while reducing logistics costs as much as 90%, and reagent costs as much as 40%.
Learn more about how NOLO-Express simplifies the R&D and deployment process at Ophiomics here.
HYSEN-Liquid
Epigenetic signatures derived from circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) are poised to revolutionize our understanding of cancer behavior. These biomarkers hold immense promise for early detection and personalized treatment strategies. However, detecting methylation patterns in circulating cell-free DNA (ccfDNA) presents formidable challenges.
ctDNA constitutes only a small fraction of the total ccfDNA pool. Extracting its information involves intricate steps, including methylated base conversion, which further diminishes the available ctDNA for analysis. While technologies like deep next-generation sequencing (NGS) or droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) enhance sensitivity, they come at a cost—both financial and logistical. Access is often restricted to specialized laboratories equipped with the necessary expertise and instrumentation.
We developed HYSEN-Liquid, a game-changing platform. Leveraging quantitative PCR (qPCR), this multiplexed system achieves high Sensitivity and accuracy while at the same time enabling broad applicability and ease of use, eliminating the need for specialized equipment or skill-sets, thus simplifying adoption.
More coming soon….
VST-Box
Logistics is the hidden cost of any new Dx operation. This is also true at the development and validation stages if they involve any type of prospective study. We wished to unify our sample transit by having a simple collection box that could hold, protect and enable transit of liquid biopsies and FFPE preserved tissues. Since no options were available on the market, we developed our own.
Our proprietary Versatile Sample Transport Box (VST-BOX) is now undergoing certification to be registered as a medical device. It can hold up to three 10 mL blood tubes encased in a protective gel, a box holding up to 24 FFPE slides, 10 FFPE rolls or 4 parafin blocks.
The VST-Box is now the basis of our prospective studies for HepatoPredict and HepatoDetect, and supports our service operations for HepatoPredict. It will also enable our regional partner laboratories to manage sample collection in their target regions.
SpecimensDB
Managing collections of biological tissues poses a familiar challenge for research groups, bio-repositories, and companies engaged in clinical studies. It often begins as a straightforward task—collecting a small set of samples for a specific purpose. However, as the collection grows, complications arise. Each sample comes with varying consents, diverse conditions, and different levels of metadata. Before long, what started as a simple endeavor turns into a tangled web of data.
At this point, organizations seek solutions. Should they invest in expensive enterprise software, requiring extensive customization to meet their unique needs? Or is there another way? Enter SpecimensDB—a homegrown solution born out of necessity. SpecimensDB streamlines tissue management by centralizing data related to sample acquisition, consent, and metadata, providing clarity and control over the collections. At the sme time, we focused on user-friendliness. SpecimensDB is intuitive, efficient, and designed with end-users in mind. Finally, SpecimensDB is Cost-Effective: By developing our own system, we avoid the pitfalls of expensive enterprise software. SpecimensDB reduces overhead costs while maximizing functionality.