#None #Colon Cancer #Viome Life Sciences #Scripps Research #Bellevue, WA

Viome and Scripps Research: Pioneering Cancer Prevention with Innovative RNA Testing

In a groundbreaking move in the field of cancer prevention, Viome Life Sciences and Scripps Research have announced a strategic partnership to create the first at-home RNA screening test designed to detect precancerous colon polyps. This innovative approach aims to enable early detection and prevention of colorectal cancer, which has seen alarming increases among younger adults in recent years.

The Need for Change in Colorectal Cancer Screening

Colorectal cancer is now the leading cause of cancer mortality in men and the second leading cause for women under 50. Ominously, diagnoses in individuals under this age have nearly doubled since the 1990s. Despite healthcare guidelines recommending colonoscopies starting at age 45, many eligible individuals either avoid screenings due to costs, fear, or emotional concerns. Therefore, the healthcare community has been in urgent need of non-invasive, accessible screening options that can empower individuals to take charge of their health.

The Collaborative Effort

This partnership leverages Viome's cutting-edge AI technology which utilizes RNA sequencing to identify molecular signals that may indicate the presence of polyps – early warning signs of colon cancer. The project will initiate a clinical study involving 1,000 participants who will undergo routine colonoscopies at Scripps Health. Samples of stool and saliva will be collected from these patients prior to their procedures. The collaborative research team will analyze this RNA data to train Viome's platform to recognize the early biological markers associated with polyp formation.

Dr. Peter G. Schultz, the President and CEO of Scripps Research, emphasizes the transformative potential of this study, stating, "This partnership is about turning cutting-edge science into practical medical solutions. This study could deliver a simple, at-home RNA test that empowers people to detect cancer risk early, without invasive procedures."

Advancing Cancer Prevention

The objective is clear: to shift the focus from late-stage detection to prevention. Naveen Jain, the Founder and CEO of Viome, stated, "Colorectal cancer is a preventable disease with early action. This study is a critical first step toward developing an at-home RNA test that detects polyps before they turn cancerous, making screening simpler, affordable, and accessible."

Current at-home stool DNA tests offer 95% sensitivity for colorectal cancer detection but only reach about 43% detection for advanced precancerous polyps, thereby highlighting a significant gap in early detection capabilities. The unique RNA-based approach being developed in partnership with Scripps aims to enhance this sensitivity significantly.

How the Study Will Function

The observational study will collect Viome stool and saliva samples from individuals undergoing colonoscopies. Researchers aim to identify gene expression profiles through unbiased RNA sequencing and then use Viome’s AI platform to create predictive models based on early microbiome and metatranscriptomic biomarkers. This approach intends to validate the connection between specific biomarkers and the formation of colon polyps.

Dr. Amy Lightner, who is leading the investigation and serves as a professor at Scripps Research, notes that this innovative study may redefine how colorectal cancer is detected, particularly for individuals at higher risk.

If successful, Viome plans to provide a laboratory-developed test (LDT) through licensed physicians, allowing patients to collect samples in the comfort of their homes. Potential follow-up with the FDA may further solidify the test's application as a standard of care for colorectal cancer prevention.

The Future of Preventive Healthcare

Viome is already established as a leader in AI-powered health solutions, offering personalized health insights through its Full Body Intelligence™ Test, which evaluates RNA activity based on samples from stool, saliva, and blood. With risk indicators for over 25 chronic conditions available in their current offerings, Viome is poised to expand its portfolio in cancer prevention and overall health optimization.

Scripps Research continues to push the boundaries of scientific understanding by prioritizing translational research that takes fundamental discoveries and transforms them into impactful health solutions. This revolutionary partnership is set against the backdrop of an urgent public health need and aims to significantly alter the landscape of colorectal cancer screening and prevention.

In conclusion, Viome and Scripps Research are paving the way for a future where preventive healthcare is accessible, actionable, and empowers individuals to take charge of their health and well-being long before disease strikes.