Bremerhaven, December 2024 - The Bremerhaven-based biotechnology company mir|detect GmbH receives a grant in the amount of 175,781.92 euros through the BIS Business Development Bremerhavenco-financed by funds from the European Union (EFRE).
The two-year research project "Identification of new nucleic acid biomarkers for use in liquid biopsy tests" runs from the 1 December 2024 to 30 November 2026 and strengthens the development of innovative solutions in the area of molecular cancer diagnostics.
Project objective: Earlier and more precise cancer diagnosis through liquid biopsy
The aim of the project is to identify new circulating nucleic acid biomarkers in the blood that enable the non-invasive and highly precise early detection of cancer. The focus is on pancreatic carcinoma (pancreatic cancer) and urothelial carcinoma (bladder cancer) - two tumor types for which no reliable blood tests are currently available.
In order to achieve this goal mir|detect RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) on clinical samples. The most promising biomarkers are then analysed using the company's proprietary and patented panta|Q® Technology into a prototype in-vitro diagnostic (IVD). The test system is verified in a proof-of-concept study, followed by comprehensive testing of the analytical performance parameters in accordance with the requirements of the Regulation (EU) 2017/746 IVDR.
The end point of the project is the development of a fully tested and verified IVD prototype that fulfils all the technical and analytical requirements for a clinical trial and subsequent CE-IVD certification. This will create the basis for bringing liquid biopsy tests for various types of cancer onto the market in the future.
Significance for Bremerhaven as a biotechnology center
The project strengthens Bremerhaven as a biotechnology centre and creates new, highly qualified jobs in research and development. Through co-operation with Bremerhaven University of Applied Sciences and the University of Bremen, mir|detect also promotes the regional transfer of knowledge and the training of young specialists in the field of molecular diagnostics.
