New York’s Dante Labs acquires Cambridge Cancer Genomics
Genomics and diagnostics company Dante Labs has acquired Cambridge Cancer Genomics in a deal which will see the oncology specialist absorbed into its New York-headquartered new owner.
Hills Road-based Cambridge Cancer Genomics (CCG.ai) was incorporated in 2016 and generates the software to enable data-driven precision oncology and develop data-driven biomarkers indicative of treatment response. Its integrated single software platform, OncOS, is geared towards patient-centric precision oncology at scale for cancer patients care combining medical, germline, somatic and liquid biopsy data analysis together.
Last year the two companies initiated a collaboration, and now OncOS’ machine learning oncology software will be integrated into Dante Labs’ Immensa genomics interpretation software to create a single platform with “unparalleled capabilities in genomics and oncology data analysis”. The unified platform will become available to clinical and research customers in the summer.
The combined solution addresses an estimated $75billion market opportunity, says Dante Labs, whose scientific centre is at the Platinum Building on St John’s Innovation Park.
“Matching cancer patients to the best therapy has been a longstanding problem in the field of oncology,” says Dr John W Cassidy, CEO and cofounder of CCG.ai.
“CCG.ai was founded on the premise that every patient should be on the right treatment, at the right time, to beat their cancer.
“Since that founding moment, the team has dedicated themselves to state-of-the-art software development and fundamental research in tumour evolution, treatment response and AI, to enable better deployment of targeted therapies for all. Now, with Dante Lab’s commercial reach and expertise in direct-to-consumer genomic testing, our products will be even closer to where they can make the ultimate impact – in the lives of patients.”
Dante Labs CEO Andrea Riposati said: “Few companies have produced meaningful clinical data of the use of machine learning for the analysis and interpretation of genomics and medical data in clinical oncology.
“Cambridge Cancer Genomics is in a class of its own. In these past years, the team has developed very smart tools for oncology that make a true difference in the lives of patients. The data is impressive and we look forward to implementing OncOS globally.”
No financial details are being made available, added Dr Cassidy.
“CCG will be absorbed into Dante Labs,” Dr Cassidy told the Cambridge Independent. “Dante already have a huge DNA sequencing infrastructure in Italy, New York and other places, they’re setting something up in Cambridge also.
“They tend to focus on germline sequencing, and laterally have moved into covid/viral. CCG’s OncOS platform, which analyses tumour sequencing data and provides a clinical decision support recommendation on treatment, will be used to help Dante move into the cancer sequencing market.
“Nirmesh (Patel), Harry (Clifford) and I will be helping Dante integrate the software and may continue in advisory capacities.”