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Cofactor closes the precision medicine gap with predictive diagnostics
Cofactor uses RNA and Predictive Immune Modeling to build better biomarkers and improve patient outcomes. Led by Jarret Glasscock and a group of expert human genome scientists,Cofactor has built a new category of diagnostic technology powered by unique and powerful RNA data models built on terabytes of data. The team recently had their technology validation peer-reviewed by the organizations that set standards for diagnostic technology (CAP, AMP) and is publishing in the Journal of Molecular Diagnostics. In addition, the team made news when Cancer Physicians who sit on the committee for patient treatment guidelines (NCCN) presented a clinical study using Cofactor’s technology showing superiority in predicting the patients who will respond to immunotherapy. This initial application is an acute problem recognized widely in the rapidly developing immunotherapy industry and represents north of a billion dollar TAM. After a number of recent key milestones, the team is taking the technology more broadly to 50% of cancers diagnosed in the US. Current investors include Menlo Ventures, DCVC, and Ascension Ventures (this last investor representing the funding arm for 13 National U.S. Healthcare Systems).
Cofactor Genomics positions itself as a leader in RNA-Seq for precision medicine, focusing on predictive diagnostics to match cancer patients with treatment. Their OncoPrism assay aims to predict immunotherapy response using multidimensional RNA-based biomarkers. They are pursuing clinical trial partnerships and sponsored studies to validate predictive diagnostics in oncology.
Cofactor Genomics develops RNA-Seq–based multidimensional biomarker models to predict patient response to immunotherapy. Their OncoPrism diagnostic assay is positioned as a pre-treatment tool used to predict immunotherapy efficacy, with active clinical trial partnerships (PREDAPT) involving multiple healthcare systems and a pipeline targeting several solid tumor cancers. The company emphasizes collaborative clinical studies, sponsored research programs, and opportunities to join studies through their contact channels.
Who it’s for: Oncologists, pathologists, clinical researchers, cancer centers, and healthcare systems involved in cancer immunotherapy
Hiring/traction mentions via clinical trial partnerships and a standing pipeline, with ongoing clinical studies and investor/partner communications
Dr. Dave Messina has over 25 years of experience in healthcare and has been leading healthcare investments at Pioneer Fund since 2019. He has led 100+ deals including top portfolio companies like Gilgamesh ($1B exit to Abbvie) and Assort Health ($500M+ valuation). Previously he founded the RNA and machine learning company Cofactor Genomics (YC S15) and led it to national Medicare reimbursement. Dr. Messina also worked on the Human Genome Project.
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