FREENOM

Published by Daniel at May 1, 2023

Freenome is a biotechnology company that uses machine learning for computational biology, genetics, and genomics to detect earlier and more accurately colorectal cancer. Its foundation dates to 2014 in San Francisco, California. Its founders -Charles Roberts, Gabriel Otte, Michael Otte, and Riley Ennis- envisioned using machine learning to enhance molecular genetic testing for cancer detection. After an initial focus on malignant prostate neoplasms, they shifted their efforts to colorectal cancer and, in the future, expect to expand to tackle many other conditions. Freenome recognizes and addresses the importance of preventive medicine and early diagnosis to improve outcomes through precision medicine. (1,2,3)

Since 2014, they have undergone six funding rounds with progressively increasing investors and capital. The total funding amount is around $507.6 Million, and their post-money valuation is estimated to be between $1-10 Billion as of August 2020. (3,4)

Teaming for Vanguard

This fund comes from 36 investors, with seven considered lead investors. Prominent investors such as Andreessen Horowitz, Section 32, Perceptive Advisors, and Brain Capital Life Sciences figure in this list. Freenome has partnered with institutions like Brigham and Women’s Hospital, University of California San Diego, and San Francisco to accelerate scientific innovation and make the most out of each other’s talent. (3,4,5)

Multiomic Masters

According to the American Cancer Society, colorectal cancer is the third-most-common cause of death by cancer when stratifying by gender and the second most common if men and women are combined. Survival rates relate closely to the stage at diagnosis, and preventive and early therapeutic actions (colonoscopy with polyp extraction) decrease the incidence of this disease.

As a result, colorectal cancer screening is backed up by the United States Preventative Task Force. However, most characterized biomarkers are tumor-derived with limited sensitivity in the early stages of the disease. The Freenome platform, trained with thousands of blood samples from confirmed cases and healthy individuals, uses cell-free DNA (cfDNA), cell-free RNA (cfRNA), gene methylation, and protein analysis to identify tumoral and immunological signatures, increasing sensitivity in early stages with non-invasive procedures. This combined examination of genomics, epigenomics, transcriptomics, and proteomics receives the name of multi-omic analysis. It allows for a better characterization of the genetic and antitumoral pathways involved in tumoral growth while individualizing patients. The meaning? Precision medicine at its best. (6,7,8 )

The current state of the problem

The main goal of Freenome is to work with physicians to optimize the new era in oncology, focusing on detecting immune cells in addition to tumor markers, separating them from other companies working with liquid biopsy. This method will significantly increase early detection, improve patient prognosis, and offer more effective treatment pathways. Although it is recommended for all adults ages 50 to 75 to follow a screening test for colon cancer with colonoscopy and stool-based testing, more than 45 million people are currently not up-to-date following this recommendation, mostly due to unfounded fear and lack of awareness. To increase the number of people following screening and offer an accurate yet non-invasive and faster option, Freenome launched a prospective clinical study called “Prevention of colorectal cancer through multi-omics blood testing” (PREEMPT CRC). (9,10,11)

To increase the number of people following screening and offer an accurate yet non-invasive and faster option, Freenome launched a prospective clinical study called “Prevention of colorectal cancer through multi-omics blood testing” (PREEMPT CRC). (9,10,11)

A superb first impression.

Freenome “multi-omics” screening test has previously been shown to detect colorectal cancer in its early stages with a sensitivity and a specificity of 94%. The early results available from the clinical trial are auspicious, demonstrating that it can also detect precancerous lesions, such as advanced adenomas. This data was presented at the Gastrointestinal Cancers Symposium in January 2021. The data showed that the test could detect adenomas with a sensitivity of 41% and a specificity of 90%, compared with 22% of the sensitivity of the FDA-approved screening blood test Epi proColon. Freenome demonstrated much higher sensitivity and specificity than a fecal immunochemical test. While there is still a long process before obtaining the final results of this trial, the company is determined to continue to use the machine learning prediction models using cfDNA to assess gene expression and detect other cancer types, including breast and lung cancer. (12,13)

An opportunity in adversity

This company has kept its expectations of continuing the PREEMPT CRC trial with the COVID-19 pandemic. The current situation has severely impacted many medical procedures in healthcare centers worldwide, including colonoscopy screening tests. More than ever, having a new screening option, more accessible and convenient has gained more importance. Freenome has expanded its technology using virtual tools to enable individuals to participate in the trial without traveling to clinical trial sites. (14)

More than ever, having a new screening option, more accessible and convenient has gained more importance. Freenome has expanded its technology using virtual tools to enable individuals to participate in the trial without traveling to clinical trial sites. (14)

Tackling tumors together

Recently, Freenome has expanded its frontiers beyond early cancer detection, building partnerships with pharmaceutical companies to discover new personalized therapeutic options and predict responses to treatment, promising novel alternatives to the oncology field.(15)

References