GeneCentric Therapeutics has earned an initial $8m in a Series C funding round, marking a step towards the launch and commercialisation of GenomicsNext, an integrated platform for comprehensive liquid biopsy testing.
This platform offers simultaneous gene expression measurements and DNA variant detection from a single sample of circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA).
Spearheaded by Hatteras Venture Partners, the round included contributions from current investors Labcorp, Alexandria Venture Investments, and IAG Capital Partners.
The investment is anticipated to sustain the company's operations through 2026.
According to GeneCentric, current liquid biopsy methods primarily focus on detecting gene mutations, overlooking the aspect of gene expression.
This limitation can hinder the identification of molecular subtypes and biomarkers essential for targeted cancer therapy, potentially delaying the diagnosis and treatment of oncology patients.
GeneCentric developed ExpressCT technology, which forms the core of GenomicsNext.
This technology measures the gene expression utilising information in ctDNA to offer a comprehensive liquid biopsy solution.
The company also developed a pipeline of gene signatures and associated diagnostic tests.
Its RNA-based Tumour and Immune Micro-Environment (rT(I)ME) Explorer platform and AI technology have been instrumental in deciphering complex tumour biology and detecting the population that responds to oncology therapeutics.
GeneCentric Therapeutics CEO and president Mike Milburn said: “With a single blood sample from a cancer patient, our GenomicsNext liquid biopsy platform can determine the gene expression of drug target genes, molecular subtypes, and predictive gene signatures, in addition to mutations and fusions.
“We believe our unique fragmentomics technology will become the best-in-class application for yielding greater insights and biomarker coverage from liquid biopsies to better aid diagnosis and treatment selection for patients.
"We are grateful for the enthusiasm and support of our investors and expect to make the GenomicsNext platform commercially available as a powerful research tool for biopharmaceutical companies in 2025.”
