What You Should Know:
– Sano Genetics, a software company that is revolutionizing precision medicine research, has secured $11.4M in new funding.
– This latest investment, led by Plural with participation from existing investors MMC Ventures, Episode 1, and Seedcamp, brings the company’s total funding to $22M.
Revolutionizing Precision Medicine Research
Founded by a trio of visionary minds – Patrick Short (CEO), Charlotte Guzzo (COO), and William Jones (CTO) – Sano Genetics is crafting software that’s poised to revolutionize the way we conduct precision medicine research. Their platform seamlessly integrates genetic testing, patient recruitment, and long-term engagement, empowering researchers to:
- Accelerate enrollment: Finding the right participants for clinical trials is notoriously challenging, especially in the realm of precision medicine. Sano’s platform cuts through the red tape, connecting patients across four countries (UK, US, Australia, and Canada) with relevant studies, up to three times faster than traditional methods.
- Simplify operations: Gone are the days of clunky, siloed systems. Sano’s platform provides a unified hub for managing all aspects of a clinical trial, from participant communication and genetic testing to result delivery and even genetic counseling.
- Leverage the power of AI: Sano is actively deploying AI to optimize the trial process, personalize the patient experience, and ultimately, delight its customers.
The Urgency of Innovation in Clinical Research
Clinical trials, the backbone of modern healthcare, are often bogged down by inefficiencies. Recruiting participants can be a monumental task, with only one in five trials meeting their enrollment targets on time. This translates to agonizing delays in bringing potentially life-saving treatments to patients.
The challenge intensifies in precision medicine, where identifying the right patients based on their genetic makeup is crucial. Existing solutions for patient recruitment, genetic testing, and engagement are often sluggish and cumbersome, further inflating the already exorbitant costs of R&D. For instance, the average R&D cost for a new precision oncology drug stands at a staggering $3.53 billion, compared to $4.62 billion for non-precision oncology medicines.
Sano Genetics: Bridging the Gap and Empowering Patients
Sano Genetics is a beacon of hope in this complex landscape. Their platform acts as a digital matchmaker, effortlessly connecting patients with suitable clinical trials and pharmaceutical/biotech companies seeking participants. This not only expedites the research process but also empowers patients to play an active role in shaping the future of medicine.
A Platform Fueling a Generational Shift in Drug Development
Precision medicine represents a paradigm shift in drug development. Clinical trials utilizing genetic data boast a 26% success rate, compared to a meager 10% for traditional trials. Sano Genetics is at the forefront of this revolution, providing the technological backbone for research institutions and companies worldwide to conduct precision medicine trials with greater efficiency and effectiveness.
Their platform has already supported over 20 diverse studies, ranging from rare and ultra-rare diseases affecting newborns to neurodegenerative conditions like ALS and Parkinson’s. This dedication to patient-centric research extends beyond clinical trials. In December 2023, Sano launched Light The Way, a program offering peer support, DNA testing, genetic counseling, and education to families impacted by ALS.
The Future of Precision Medicine is Now
With this new funding boost, Sano Genetics is poised to scale its impact and realize its ambitious vision of accelerating the future of precision medicine. Their focus on leveraging AI, expanding their global reach, and spearheading initiatives like Light The Way demonstrates a deep commitment to not only streamlining research but also empowering patients to take control of their health.
“Precision medicine is transforming how we think about and approach healthcare, and clinical trials are the bedrock of precision drug development. In the past 12 months, we’ve scaled up our capacity to hold three times more trials than the year before and launched our first programme supporting families affected by ALS. I’m so pleased with everything the team has achieved so far and this new funding will help us to integrate LLMs and other AI tools to drive more productivity. This will help us continue our growth trajectory, particularly with the help of visionary investors like Carina Namih, who supported our seed round and is now supporting us again at Plural,” said Patrick Short, co-founder and CEO of Sano Genetics.
