Disease-specific biomarkers based on DNA fragments are found in the bloodstream from damaged and dying (apoptotic) cells. These serum DNA biomarkers are applicable to diagnosing a wide range of cancers and other chronic diseases.

Chronix Biomedical (San Jose, CA, USA) has significantly expanded and accelerated its biomarker development capabilities with the installation of Germany's first state-of-the-art high-throughput DNA mass sequencer at the University of Göttingen, (Germany), where the company has research facilities.

The new system allows Chronix to screen and analyze 25-times more genomes each month far more cost-effectively than was possible with older methods. It has reduced the time needed to screen a genome by about 80%, while improving reproducibility of the results. The new system has already enhanced the performance of Chronix's initial tests for breast and prostate cancer, and it is expected to accelerate development and commercialization efforts across the board. Chronix has developed proprietary diagnostic databases and related information using algorithms they developed to detect, analyze and identify disease-related fragments of DNA that are released into the bloodstream by apoptotic cells. This apoptotic DNA originates from a limited number of chromosomal regions, or "hotspots," on the genome that are specific to each illness. By focusing on these genomic hotspots, the Chronix tests can reliably detect the presence of cancer without having first to isolate and analyze tumor cells, an important advantage.

Ekkehard Schütz, M.D., Ph.D., vice president of research at Chronix Biomedical, said, "Our proprietary technology has demonstrated excellent accuracy in the early detection of breast cancer and prostate cancer, and these new mass-sequencing capabilities will allow us to rapidly develop tests for cancer and other chronic diseases."

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Chronix Biomedical
University of Göttingen