A liquid biopsy utilizing artificial intelligence (AI) has shown effectiveness in accurately detecting five types of cancer: lung, prostate, pancreatic, breast, and colorectal. Flomics Biotech, a startup from Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF) in Barcelona, has demonstrated its technology can diagnose these cancers in early stages. The company aims to expand its capabilities to detect all cancer types in the future, with plans for the tool to be available across Europe by 2028.
CEO Joao Curado explained that the technology analyzes RNA molecules in blood, which are produced by cells and often exported to convey messages. An AI algorithm decodes these messages to identify signals indicating tumor development. Another algorithm can identify the tumor's organ of origin.
This technology was presented at the X Liquid Biopsy Symposium in Santiago de Compostela and employs cell-free RNA, next-generation sequencing (NGS), and AI-driven bioinformatics.
The study, conducted with over 1,000 blood samples, boasts a 92% probability of correctly distinguishing between cancerous and non-cancerous samples, with a specificity of 90%. Notably, the test can detect stage one cancer with an 80% sensitivity, highlighting its potential as a key tool for early cancer detection and timely treatment.
However, Curado emphasized the need for further training with additional data and samples to enhance accuracy.
Flomics has developed a biomarker discovery platform integrating NGS and AI bioinformatics to identify RNA patterns associated with tumors. A preclinical study has been conducted at Hospital Clínic de Barcelona and other Spanish hospitals, demonstrating the technology's potential for cancer detection.
This test is Flomics Biotech's sole product, with plans to explore RNA applications for personalized treatment pathways in the future. To commercialize the test, regulatory approval is required, necessitating a clinical trial with hospitals and regulatory entities to monitor its development. Curado anticipates market availability by 2026, with a complete clinical trial by 2028.
Having raised four million euros (2.5 million in private capital and 1.5 million public funding) to develop the test, the company now seeks an additional six million for the clinical trial. Decelera Ventures has invested in Flomics, which is launching a new fundraising round to expedite the process, negotiating with venture capital funds and family offices.