#Israel #Immunotherapy #Precision Medicine #OncoHost #Binyamina

OncoHost Awarded €2.5 Million Grant for Precision Oncology

Introduction

OncoHost, an innovative technology firm, has announced that it has been awarded a substantial grant of €2.5 million from the EIC Transition Programme, a part of Horizon Europe. This funding will facilitate the advancement of precision medicine for patients undergoing immunotherapy, enhancing decision-making for oncologists and improving patient outcomes.

Collaboration with Leading Medical Institutions

In collaboration with prominent medical institutions including Heidelberg University Hospital, the European Institute of Oncology, and Virgen Macarena University Hospital, OncoHost aims to develop a novel biomarker to better predict patient responses to immunotherapy treatments. This initiative will particularly focus on several types of cancer, including Non-small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC), Renal Cell Carcinoma (RCC), Melanoma, Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma (HNSCC), and Triple Negative Breast Cancer.

The Challenge in Immuno-oncology

Despite the significant advances in immunotherapy, particularly with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), not all patients benefit equally from these interventions. The challenge remains in identifying reliable biomarkers that can predict which patients are most likely to respond favorably. CEO Ofer Sharon expressed that the absence of such biomarkers is a major hurdle in immuno-oncology, and this project aims to address that need.

Development of a Novel Biomarker

The breakthrough biomarker being developed focuses on a specific subset of cells known as Ly6Ehi neutrophils, which exhibit heightened expression of the Ly6E marker. Research published in Cancer Cell has indicated that these cells are effective pre-treatment biomarkers for predicting responses to ICIs in various cancers.

Future Directions: NeutroFlow Test

In addition to developing the biomarker, the consortium plans to introduce a novel testing method named NeutroFlow. This test is designed to be a simple, rapid point-of-care approach that can accurately gauge a patient's response to treatment. By utilizing flow cytometry—a technology already employed in many clinical settings—the test aims to be both cost-effective and accessible, enabling physicians to provide tailored treatment recommendations.

Impact on Clinical Practice

Academics like Prof. Francesco Bertolini of the European Institute of Oncology are optimistic about this initiative's potential to transform research findings into clinically validated biomarkers, which could lead to better therapeutic choices for patients, thereby minimizing unnecessary side effects.

Prof. Petros Christopoulos of Heidelberg University added that the goal is to integrate NeutroFlow into everyday practices, enhancing personalized patient care based on the most reliable biomarkers.

Conclusion

The EIC Transition is not only pivotal for advancing OncoHost’s mission but also aligns with larger EU objectives regarding the maturation and validation of innovative technologies. As more insights surface regarding personalized medicine in oncology, this collaborative effort stands to significantly strengthen treatment protocols and ultimately improve the quality of life for cancer patients worldwide.

About OncoHost

OncoHost, headquartered in Binyamina, Israel, and Cary, North Carolina, is dedicated to pioneering advancements in precision medicine. Their flagship platform, PROphet®, utilizes plasma-based proteomic profiling to support oncology professionals in making informed immunotherapy decisions for patients. The expected impact of this research and development underscores OncoHost's commitment to lead the next phase of precision diagnostics and biomarker innovation in oncology.