Cure51, a techbio company focused on identifying biological mechanisms in exceptional cancer survivors, has launched the Rosalind study in the UK. The initiative, approved by the NHS Health Research Authority (HRA), is a collaboration with Cambridge University Hospitals and seven other leading UK-based institutions. The study aims to decode the biological factors behind long-term cancer survival, potentially paving the way for more effective cancer treatments.
Study Focus and Design
The Rosalind study will concentrate on three aggressive cancer types: extensive stage small cell lung cancer, glioblastoma, and metastatic pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Researchers plan to collect tumor samples from over 1,000 exceptional responder patients, defined as those in the top 3% for survival in these indications. The goal is to identify the biological factors that contribute to their extended survival.
Data Analysis and Therapeutic Targets
Cure51 has developed a multi-layered data hub to analyze the biological features of these cancer "super-survivors." The company intends to use this data to discover novel therapeutic targets, which could form the basis for transformative new treatments.
Expert Perspectives
Nicolas Wolikow, CEO and Co-Founder of Cure51, stated, "This is a pivotal step in the Rosalind study, as our first and largest partnership in the UK, advancing our mission to identify what sets cancer survivors apart. This work is made possible due to the support of the nine leading UK hospitals and institutions, all united in the goal of defeating cancer."
Dr. Thankammah Ajithkummar, Consultant Clinical Oncologist at Cambridge University Hospitals, added, "With nearly 400,000 new cancer diagnoses annually in the UK, understanding why some patients achieve remarkable survival is critical... The Rosalind study represents a promising new approach to investigating the biology of cancer survivors, aiming to uncover insights that could improve outcomes for all patients."
Cure51's Approach
Simon Istolainen, Chief Strategy & Scientific Network Officer, Co-Founder of Cure51, noted, "At Cure51, we are reverse engineering the cure for cancer. By leveraging technology, data and our dedicated team of computational biologists, we aim to uncover the hidden biology of miraculous survivors, to develop therapies that could one day make cancer a manageable disease for all."
Cure51 raised €15 million in Seed funding in March 2024, led by Sofinnova Partners. In October 2024, the company partnered with 10xGenomics to deploy its Visium HD precision technology, aiming to transform cancer diagnosis, treatment, and ultimately, the path to a cure.
