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Selventa to Develop New Class of Multi-omic Based Diagnostic Tests for Autoimmune Disease and Cancer

22 Jan 2013

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Selventa has announced that it is developing a powerful new class of diagnostic test that will accelerate the implementation of personalized healthcare. Systems Diagnostics, or SysDx™, will be a novel diagnostic test that can consist of "multi-omic" biomarkers selected through a rigorous Big Data analysis of a patient's biological profile including genomic, epigenomic, transcriptomic, proteomic, metabolomic and electronic medical record information. From this analysis, Selventa will generate a differentiated and clinically-relevant report that physicians and patients can use to improve therapy selection.

"SysDx testing is a much needed progression from 'single-omic' tests that today are largely limited to the analyses of genetic aberrations in a patients disease," said Dr. David de Graaf, President and CEO, Selventa. "Because the molecular drivers of disease are manifested across thousands of interrelated biochemical pathways, it is vital that a diagnostic be able to test for a more comprehensive set of disease-relevant biomarkers. SysDx testing promises to capture a more detailed profile of a patient's disease leading to more informed healthcare decisions."

Selventa is currently focusing its SysDx development in autoimmune and cancer. These complex multi-factorial diseases require more than genetic information alone to gain an effective diagnosis that can guide treatment.

Dr. de Graaf added, "SysDx is a natural outgrowth of our successful 10-yr heritage as a leader in systems biology and biomarker identification for pharma and biotech. Our 'Big Data' analytics and algorithms uniquely integrate, process and analyze different molecular information from thousands of patients to identify biomarkers. This unique capability is the foundation for SysDx tests that will have stronger validation, higher reliability and provide superior predictive and prognostic capabilities."

Selventa has achieved proof of concept for multiple SysDx tests in:
• Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)
• Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
• Crohn's disease
• Ulcerative colitis
• Multiple cancers

Selventa's lead product will be Clarify-RA, a SysDx test that will be able to predict which patients suffering from RA will not respond to the standard of care anti-TNF therapy. RA is a chronic, debilitating disease that affects an estimated 2 million people in the United States. It is also an expensive disease to treat, costing the healthcare system on average USD 20,000 per patient every year. In moderate to severe RA patients, only 40% of patients gain a clinically significant benefit from the anti-TNFs.

Dr. de Graaf added, "A large unmet medical need is to identify early if a patient is a non-responder to the standard of care therapy in the care cycle. It is estimated that 50% of all prescribed drugs lack efficacy, or worse are dangerous to the patient. A SysDx that can identify non-responders to major classes of drugs will benefit the patient and also deliver tangible cost benefits to payers. Furthermore, this increased knowledge about patients will help pharmaceutical companies to re-position their drugs."

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Gas ChromatographyGas chromatography (GC) is an analytical technique used to separate and quantitate mixtures of small and volatile compounds. Gas chromatographs or GC systems include components such as GC columns, detectors, pumps and autosamplers. Choose from packed or capillary GC columns, flame ionization (FID), photoionization (PID) electron capture detectors and selective or non-selective detectors. Find the best gas chromatographs in our peer-reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receive pricing direct from manufacturers.Genome AnalysisGenomics, the study of genomes, includes functional genomics, evolutionary genomics and comparative genomics. There are many genomic technologies such as DNA sequencing of whole genomes, computational biology and bioinformatics. DNA and nucleic acids must be isolated and concentrated from cells for analysis with kits, automated analyzers and software. Other useful technologies for studying genomics include PCR, microarrays and electrophoresis.Gene Expression and Molecular CloningMolecular cloning is a set of techniques that utilizes vectors to transfer recombinant DNA into host cells and is an essential tool for investigating the expression of genes and proteins in bacterial or mammalian cells. A variety of vectors optimized for gene cloning and expression in a range of host organisms are available, alongside competent cells for genetic replication. Here, you can explore a range of molecular tools, high-quality genomic and cDNA libraries, premade clones, transformation and transfection reagents and mutagenesis or gene expression detection assays and expression arrays. Find the best gene expression and molecular cloning products in our peer-reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receive pricing direct from manufacturers.BiomarkersBiomarkers are biological markers which can be measured and evaluated to indicate a biological state. The use of biomarkers in research and diagnosis can indicate a normal or disease state or drug response of cells / tissues. Biomarkers include genetic markers, cell surface markers such as antigens, antibodies or receptors and secreted molecules such as cytokines. An assay system is required for identification of biomarkers. :Clinical GeneticsMolecular Genetics covers the analysis of hereditary genetic disease and chromosomal abnormalities. Genetics can be analysed using DNA, RNA, and protein microarrays, PCR, RT PCR and DNA sequencing. Genetic equipment includes genetic workstations, thermal cyclers, cooling blocks and electrophoresis products. Diagnostic kits are used for DNA / RNA extraction and purification.Epigenetic AnalysisEpigenetic analysis products are used to study heritable phenotype changes that do not alter the DNA sequence, such as DNA modifications affecting gene activity. Determine whether genes have been methylated with DNA methylation quantification kits or methylation microarrays. Assess epigenetic regulation with histone modification kits or ChIP-on-chip microarrays. Kits are also available for bisulfite conversion and amplification of your samples, as well as epigenomic library preparation kits for next-generation sequencing (NGS). Find the best epigenetic products in our peer-reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receive pricing direct from manufacturers.AutoimmunityRheumatoid ArthritisCancer DiagnosticsThere are a wide variety of diagnostic tests for cancer available, and this range continues to expand as our knowledge of cancer improves. Current diagnostic methods include biopsy, imaging and blood tests for known biomarkers. New methods in research development include liquid biopsies and cancer breathalyzers.Cancer ResearchAlthough cancer is often referred to as a single condition, it actually consists of more than 100 different diseases. Microscopy, mass spectrometry, high throughput sequencing and flow cytometry are some of the most common techniques employed in cancer research labs.MetabolomicsMetabolomics is the study of small metabolites (the intermediates and products of metabolism). It involves the identification and quantification of cellular metabolites using analytical technologies such as GC, HPLC, NMR, and LC/MS.TranscriptomicsIn Vitro DiagnosticsIn vitro diagnostics (IVD) involve testing samples outside the body, typically in a laboratory, to diagnose diseases or conditions. IVD technologies include blood tests, molecular assays, and other bodily fluid tests, enabling accurate diagnosis and monitoring of diseases. These tests are essential for guiding treatment decisions in clinical settings. Browse our peer-reviewed product directory to find the best IVD solutions; compare products, check reviews, and get pricing directly from manufacturers.

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Selventa to Develop New Class of Multi-omic Based Diagnostic Tests for Autoimmune Disease and Cancer