TechBio and Preliminary Diagnosis (part II)
MetaphysicalCells: A newsletter about Science, Technology and AI Drug Discovery
Hi everyone 👋 and welcome back to another edition of MetaphysicalCells 🛸 only for paid subscribers, this time is all about Preliminary Diagnosis (progress so far and specific companies in Europe):
⏩ TechBio and Preliminary Diagnosis (part II) (🔐).
III and IV part next week.
TechBio and Preliminary Diagnosis: Progress So Far (part II)
In the first part (TechBio and Preliminary Diagnosis (part I)) of this newsletter, dedicated to Preliminary Diagnosis, I mentioned how data from Predictive Analytics and Image Analysis, Wearable Devices, and IoT are facilitating a tentative diagnosis (namely an Early Diagnosis) that the physicians perform before beginning the actual diagnosis, which is solely based on the physicians' observation, knowledge, and experience. It is also called provisional, working, or on-admission diagnosis.
However, TechBio Preliminary Diagnosis is also relevant to data from: 📍Liquid Biopsies, 📍Genomics & Personalized Medicine; 📍Synthetic Biology & Biosensors; 📍Blockchain for Data Security; 📍Digital Phenotyping & Mental Health Monitoring, and 📍Smart Implants for Continuous Monitoring.
Here's how TechBio is transforming Preliminary Diagnosis.
For example, Genomic sequencing technologies can identify genetic predispositions to certain diseases and this helps tailor preventive measures and treatments based on an individual’s unique genetic profile. In particular, Color Genomics offers one of the most accessible, clinical-grade genetic testing services available today, analyzing genes associated with risk for common cancers and heart conditions—and how the body may process certain medications (Color Health builds out virtual cancer clinic, taking aim at employer, health plan market). Helix transforms health organizations to leverage the power of genomics across their enterprise, creating strategic value and fueling future growth (Health Systems Pouring Millions Into Genomics Programs). Helix offers a range of genetic tests, including carrier screening and pharmacogenomics, to tailor treatments based on individual genetic profiles.
For instance, GRAIL’s liquid biopsy test detects circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) in a patient’s blood sample. This allows for the early detection of over 50 types of cancers, many of which are difficult to diagnose until they reach advanced stages (🔺Grail’s cancer blood test makes ground in massive U.S., U.K. clinical studies and 🔺Debate Over Multi-Cancer Screening Tests Shifts Pending Grail Randomized Trial Results). Shares of Grail Inc (NASDAQ: GRAL) surged on February 14, 2025 on the back of a newly minted partnership with Quest Diagnostics Inc (NYSE: DGX) to allow access to its Galleri cancer detection test for healthcare providers (Grail shares jump on partnership with Quest Diagnostics).
Another example is Guardant Health, conquering cancer with data, that is offering liquid biopsy testing for cancer monitoring and treatment guidance. For example, Guardant360 and GuardantOMNI for genomic profiling enables precision oncology and personalized treatment plans. Moreover, Guardant has been very active lately: 📍Guardant Health price target raised to $60 from $56 at BofA, 📍Guardant Health secured facility lease extension through 2031, 📍Viz.ai to Collaborate With Guardant Health to Improve Lung Cancer Detection, Diagnosis, and Treatment, and📍Guardant Health, ConcertAI Collaborate to Form First Data-As-A-Service That Integrates Clinical and Tumor Profiling Data to Accelerate Cancer Therapy Research.
When it comes to early detection, Freenome is a multiomics platform for the early detection of cancer offering an AI-driven analysis of blood samples for colorectal cancer improving screening rates and reducing mortality (🔺Freenome Raised $254M for Multiomic-Based Early Cancer Detection, 🔺Freenome Announced Topline Results for PREEMPT CRC® to Validate the First Version of its Blood-Based Test for the Early Detection of Colorectal Cancer).