#Finland #Liquid Biopsy #Turku #Genomill Health #Bridge Capture

Genomill Health's Innovative Bridge Capture™ Technology

Genomill Health, a pioneering biotechnology firm based in Finland, is making waves in the medical field with the introduction of its Bridge Capture™ technology. This groundbreaking innovation was specifically developed for liquid biopsy applications, particularly targeting colorectal cancer. A recent clinical pilot study, published in Scientific Reports, showcased Bridge Capture™'s capability to analyze mutations in cell-free DNA from patients battling metastatic colorectal cancer with remarkable sensitivity.

Unveiling the Study Results

The clinical study, conducted in collaboration with Professor Ari Ristimäki's team from Helsinki University Hospital, provides compelling evidence that Bridge Capture™ technology matches the sensitivity of droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) – the current gold standard in mutation detection. It not only performed exceptionally well in identifying known mutations but also uncovered multiple previously unknown oncogenic mutations, reflecting the patients' disease progression over time.

Simona Adamusová, a doctoral researcher and co-first author of the study, expressed excitement over Bridge Capture's ability to track oncogenic changes throughout treatment. She asserted, "Bridge Capture matched or exceeded gold-standard methods in detecting mutations in patient samples. Its ability to track changes over time could be a powerful tool for monitoring cancer progression and relapse."

A New Standard for Liquid Biopsy

The versatility of Bridge Capture™ lies in its capacity for unlimited scalability in panel testing, combined with a streamlined and cost-efficient workflow. This technological advancement opens doors to decentralized next-generation sequencing (NGS) testing, potentially making liquid biopsies a routine practice in clinical settings worldwide.

Manu Tamminen, CEO and Co-Founder of Genomill, highlighted the significance of these developments, stating, "By removing cost and infrastructural constraints currently hindering the routine use of liquid biopsies, we aim to position Bridge Capture as a transformative tool for accessible cancer diagnostics."
The study's findings not only affirm the technology's robustness but also hint at its future role in personalized medicine, where real-time monitoring and adjustments in treatment plans are critical.

Technological Innovations Behind Bridge Capture™

At the core of Bridge Capture™ is the implementation of Genomill's Geno1® technologies, which utilize both circular and linear DNA amplification techniques. Juha-Pekka Pursiheimo, CTO and the inventor of this pioneering technology, remarked that Bridge Capture establishes a new benchmark for NGS library design. He stated, "Using circular single-stranded DNA presents a more adaptable and resilient alternative to traditional linear libraries, positioning Genomill at the forefront of NGS library preparation innovation."

Implications for Cancer Diagnostics

The implications of Bridge Capture™ are profound, particularly in the context of liquid biopsies which offer a non-invasive method for cancer detection and monitoring. Traditional biopsy procedures often present challenges like invasiveness, discomfort, and potential complications. In contrast, liquid biopsies use blood samples, making them more patient-friendly, and their scalability means they can be tailored to a wide range of clinical settings.

As noted by experts in the field, the alignment of Bridge Capture™ with established standards such as ddPCR signifies its readiness for real-world applications in oncology. The technology not only enhances the detection capabilities but also promotes a seamless integration into existing hospital infrastructures.

Conclusion

With the results of this groundbreaking study firmly establishing Bridge Capture™ as a game-changer for liquid biopsy applications, Genomill Health is paving the way for a new era of cancer diagnostics. The combination of high sensitivity, scalability, and ease of use positions this technology to significantly impact the management and monitoring of colorectal cancer, ultimately aiming for improved patient outcomes and personalized treatment strategies.

For further details, the complete study titled "Evaluation of Bridge Capture technology for mutation profiling in liquid biopsies of metastatic colorectal cancer patients" can be accessed through Scientific Reports.

For more information about Genomill and its innovative technologies, please visit genomill.com.