Cergentis, a Dutch biotech company, today announced that it secured a > €1.2 million grant from the European Commission’s Horizon 2020 programme for the development of cancer companion diagnostics.
The funds will be used to optimise and validate the TLA technology for the analysis of (FFPE) tumour biopsies.
Cergentis supports leading research institutes and pharmaceutical companies worldwide with its services and kits for TLA-based targeted complete NGS of genes, transgenes and gene-editing events.
The successful development of the TLA technology for FFPE material will empower the detection of mutations that affect prognosis and/or drug response. TLA will provide unique and critical advantages in pharmacogenetic research and the implementation of personalised medicine.
The key applications of the technology will be:
- Complete gene sequencing and gene fusion detection for pharmacogenetic research and companion diagnostics
- Breakpoint detection for the development of sensitive minimal residual disease/circulating tumour DNA tests
Partners in the project include leading Dutch and European cancer research institutes, reagent manufacturers, automation and software suppliers, as well as pharmaceutical companies worldwide.
The funding is from the Phase 2 grants within the SME Instrument of the European Commission’s Horizon 2020 programme. In a highly competitive round Cergentis was, of over 100 Dutch applicants, the only company to be awarded a grant.
Cergentis’ CEO Max van Min comments:
"we are all delighted with this important recognition of the quality of our work and ambitions. The SME Instrument Grant will allow us to accelerate development of our TLA technology for cancer related applications. We look forward to continue to work closely with our partners and customers in helping improve the quality of personalised cancer medicine.”
Contact
Max van Min
+31 (0)30-7601636
max.vanmin@cergentis.com
