Investment Attraction

ManTRa Diagnostics, a Manchester-based company, has developed tumour-site-specific gene expression signatures aimed at assessing hypoxia in solid tumours. Hypoxia, characterized by low oxygen levels, is prevalent in approximately half of solid tumours and is linked to treatment resistance and poor patient prognosis. The company’s innovative approach addresses the critical need for personalized cancer treatment by creating gene signatures that can serve as Companion Diagnostics (CDx). These signatures help stratify patients for tailored therapies, potentially enhancing treatment efficacy.

The gene expression signatures have been identified and validated across various cancer types, including head and neck, prostate, sarcoma, and bladder cancers, with each signature comprising 20-30 genes. The robustness and reproducibility of ManTRa Diagnostics' method have been demonstrated, with the head and neck signature currently undergoing Phase III clinical trials, while others are in the design and validation stages. The technology is compatible with quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (qPCR) and can be adapted for Next Generation Sequencing (NGS).

The implications of this development are significant. Pharmaceutical companies stand to benefit from reduced trial failures, expanded market opportunities, and shorter approval timelines. For patients, the promise of personalized treatment regimens could lead to improved health outcomes. Additionally, the healthcare system may experience more cost-effective cancer treatment options, addressing the high costs associated with drug development and clinical trial failures, which can reach up to $2.6 billion per new therapeutic. The growing market for oncology biomarkers and Companion Diagnostics underscores the potential impact of ManTRa Diagnostics' innovations in the field of cancer treatment.