SAGA Diagnostics specializes in molecular residual disease (MRD) detection using a proprietary platform that combines next-generation sequencing and digital PCR to create patient-specific genetic fingerprints from tumor samples. This technology enables ultra-sensitive monitoring of residual cancer post-treatment, facilitating timely and informed therapeutic decisions through simple blood draws.
Funding
Funding not disclosed
Founders
Product
Problem
Monitoring molecular residual disease (MRD) after cancer treatment is challenging due to the limitations of conventional methods in detecting minimal amounts of residual tumor DNA. Existing techniques often lack the sensitivity needed for early detection of recurrence or for accurately assessing treatment response, hindering timely clinical decisions.
Solution
SAGA Diagnostics offers an ultra-sensitive MRD detection platform that combines next-generation sequencing (NGS) and digital PCR to create personalized genetic fingerprints from patient tumor samples. The Pathlight platform identifies structural variants (SVs) unique to each patient's tumor through low-depth whole genome sequencing (WGS). These SVs, which are less susceptible to therapy selection and clonal evolution, are then used to design patient-specific digital PCR assays for accurate and rapid MRD assessment from blood samples. This approach enables clinicians to monitor cancer progression, detect early signs of recurrence, and assess therapeutic response with greater sensitivity and specificity compared to methods relying on single nucleotide variants (SNVs).
Target Audience
The primary target audience includes oncologists, clinicians, and biopharmaceutical companies focused on improving cancer treatment outcomes through early and accurate detection of molecular residual disease.
Features
- Tumor-informed MRD testing platform utilizing whole-genome sequencing to identify patient-specific structural variants.
- Personalized digital PCR assays designed to track circulating tumor DNA with high sensitivity and specificity.
- Proprietary algorithms for SV selection to minimize the impact of therapy selection and clonal evolution.
- Detection of MRD at levels below 1 part per million (ppm).
- Clinically validated in early-stage breast cancer, demonstrating high sensitivity, specificity, and lead time for recurrence detection.
- Suitable for monitoring cancer progression from early detection through relapse and metastasis.
- Services for biopharma companies to support biomarker discovery, clinical trial enrollment, and drug development.