San Diego, USA—October 30, 2024 — Crown Bioscience, a global contract research organization (CRO), part of JSR Life Sciences and Japan-based JSR Corporation, has announced the beginning of the Eurostars Myeloid SIGNATUREs (MY-SIGNATURE) project. This initiative aims to tackle prostate cancer, particularly metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC), a disease that leads to approximately 110,000 fatalities each year in Europe. The project, which received a €1.75 million grant, will focus on developing a novel liquid biopsy test—the first to detect intratumoral myeloid-derived suppressor cell (MDSC) infiltration—and could become pivotal in overcoming therapy resistance, a substantial challenge in cancer treatment.
Crown Bioscience joined Novigenix, the project's lead partner, alongside the expertise from Radboud University Medical Centre, to develop the MYELO-SCAN test. This liquid biopsy technology will harness the power of a novel transcriptomic biomarker, enabling enhanced patient stratification and an estimated 30% improvement in treatment outcomes. Scheduled for completion by Q4 2026, MYELO-SCAN’s clinical validation will be a critical step towards obtaining CE-marking.
The project presents an opportunity for Crown Bioscience to further advance its existing single-cell RNA sequencing capabilities and establish a next-generation sequencing (NGS) pipeline for its Ex Vivo Patient Tissue (EVPT) platform. This advancement will enable deeper characterization of the cellular composition of mCRPC samples, elevating the scope of precision medicine.
Crown Bioscience will conduct detailed single-cell RNA sequencing of tumor biopsy samples to identify MDSC-specific mRNAs. In synergy with Novigenix's LITOSeekTM platform, which specializes in the immuno-transcriptomics analysis of blood samples, and Radboud University Medical Centre’s contribution of patient samples, the consortium will forge a unique approach in biomarker discovery.
In the final stages, an assessment will be conducted on the new biomarker panel’s prognostic insights by analyzing different treatment responses in mCRPC patients. The aim is to finalize the predictive capabilities of the MYELO-SCAN test, setting a precedent for early and precise intervention in prostate cancer therapy.
Ludovic Bourré, PhD, VP of Research and Innovation at Crown Bioscience, commented: "We are proud to be part of this consortium, which not only aligns with our commitment to providing innovative solutions but also establishes a foundation for transforming prostate cancer treatment. By advancing how we stratify and treat mCRPC patients, we are not just enhancing patient care today—we are paving the way for future breakthroughs."
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Crown Bioscience
Sarah Martin-Tyrrell
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