Imagine finding cancer clues from a simple blood draw instead of an invasive colonoscopy. This project built a diagnostic device that spots tiny fragments of tumor DNA floating in your blood — like fishing out a specific grain of sand from a beach. It checks for 27 different cancer-linked mutations at once and gives results in 30 to 60 minutes, at a cost of around €40-50 per test. The technology combines a special DNA-reading chemistry that virtually eliminates false positives with an ultra-sensitive acoustic sensor that measures results in real time.
Colorectal cancer is the second deadliest cancer in Europe, and catching it early is the difference between a 90% survival rate and a 10% one. Current diagnostic methods rely on invasive tissue biopsies that are slow, expensive, and uncomfortable for patients — meaning many people simply skip screening. There is an urgent need for fast, affordable, non-invasive tests that can detect cancer mutations from a simple blood draw.
A working prototype of a liquid biopsy diagnostic platform with control software for configuration, calibration, and operation. The platform combines DGL© DNA detection chemistry with acoustic wave microsensor technology to analyze 27 cancer mutations simultaneously from a blood sample. A total of 31 deliverables were produced across the project.
If you are a diagnostics company looking to expand your oncology test menu — this project developed a validated liquid biopsy platform that detects 27 KRAS and BRAF mutations simultaneously at 95-100% detection rates and €40-50 per sample. It could be integrated into your existing lab workflows or licensed as a standalone screening product.
If you run a clinical laboratory dealing with slow turnaround times and high costs for cancer mutation screening — this platform delivers results in 30-60 minutes from a blood sample, compared to days for tissue biopsy analysis. At €40-50 per test with 95-100% reliability, it could dramatically improve patient throughput and reduce per-test costs.
If you are a pharma company needing rapid, reliable patient stratification for colorectal cancer drug trials — this platform screens for 27 KRAS and BRAF mutations simultaneously from a blood draw in 30-60 minutes. Non-invasive sampling means easier patient recruitment and repeat monitoring during treatment.
The project objective states a target cost of €40-50 per sample analysis. This positions the platform as a low-cost alternative to current molecular diagnostics methods, which can run several hundred euros per test.
The platform was designed for multiplexing — analyzing 27 KRAS and BRAF mutations simultaneously in 30-60 minutes. With control software delivered for configuration, calibration, and operation, it is designed for professional lab environments. Based on available project data, the prototype has been validated but full production-scale manufacturing details are not specified.
Two core proprietary technologies are involved: DGL© technology owned by DestiNA Genomics Ltd (UK partner), and the acoustic wave microsensor technology owned by AWSensors (Spanish coordinator). Any licensing arrangement would need to involve both IP holders. Based on available project data, specific licensing terms are not publicly disclosed.
The project objective explicitly states validation in real settings as the goal. A prototype of the platform and control software were delivered. The Innovation Action funding scheme (IA) requires near-market activities, suggesting clinical validation was part of the work program.
The project reports detection rates of 95-100% and sensitivity in the zeptomolar (zM) range, which is extremely high. The DGL© chemistry is specifically designed to eliminate false positives that plague enzyme-based detection systems.
As a diagnostic device for clinical use, it would require CE-IVD marking in Europe and FDA clearance in the US. Based on available project data, the current regulatory status after the project ended in 2018 is not specified. Prospective licensees should verify the current approval pathway.
The primary validation was for colorectal cancer (KRAS and BRAF mutations), but the EuroSciVoc classification also lists breast cancer and lung cancer. The underlying liquid biopsy technology is adaptable to other cancer types by changing the target mutation panels.
The Liqbiopsens consortium is strongly industry-oriented with 5 out of 8 partners (62%) coming from industry and all 5 being SMEs — a clear signal this was built for commercial outcomes, not academic publishing. The coordinator, Advanced Wave Sensors S.L. (Spain), is a commercial sensor company and SME that owns one of the two core technologies. The partnership spans 4 countries (Belgium, Greece, Spain, UK) and includes the other key IP holder, DestiNA Genomics (UK). With only 1 university and 1 research organization, the consortium was clearly structured to take existing science and turn it into a market-ready diagnostic product.
The coordinator is Advanced Wave Sensors S.L. (AWSensors) based in Spain. SciTransfer can facilitate a direct introduction to discuss licensing or partnership opportunities.
Want to explore licensing this liquid biopsy platform or integrating it into your diagnostics portfolio? SciTransfer can connect you directly with the technology owners and provide a detailed briefing on commercial terms.
