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 allows for the identification and validation of hypoxia-related gene signatures in various cancers, including head and neck, prostate, sarcoma, and bladder cancers, with each signature comprising 20-30 genes.

The tailored solution provided by ManTRa Diagnostics involves using these gene expression signatures as a basis for Companion Diagnostics (CDx). This enables the stratification of patients for more personalized treatment options and directs therapy choices based on the specific hypoxic characteristics of their tumours. The head and neck cancer signature is currently undergoing Phase III clinical trials, while other signatures are in the design and validation stages. The technology is compatible with quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (qPCR) and can also be adapted for Next Generation Sequencing (NGS).

The quantifiable benefits of this approach are significant. Pharmaceutical companies can expect fewer failed trials, an expanded market size, and reduced approval times for new drugs. For patients, the implementation of these gene signatures promises personalized treatments that lead to improved outcomes. Additionally, the healthcare system stands to gain from more cost-effective cancer treatments, addressing the high costs associated with drug development and the failure rates of new therapeutics in clinical trials. The global oncology biomarkers market, which was valued at approximately $10.89 billion in 2016, is projected to grow significantly, underscoring the potential impact of ManTRa Diagnostics' innovations in the field of cancer treatment.