BioSkryb Genomics Secures Exclusive License for Single-Cell DNA Methylation and Variant Analysis Technology
Key Insights
BioSkryb Genomics (search) has secured an exclusive license to a breakthrough patent co-owned by Stanford University and Chan Zuckerberg Biohub San Francisco (search) for combined single-cell DNA methylation (search) and genome variation analyses.
The licensed technology enables simultaneous, high-resolution analysis of genomic variants (search) and DNA methylation (search) from the same single cell using a non-destructive workflow that preserves DNA integrity.
This advancement will help researchers track clonal evolution, therapy resistance, and rare-cell biology in oncology (search) and neurology (search) applications.
BioSkryb Genomics (search) announced the execution of an exclusive license to a patent co-owned by Stanford University and the Chan Zuckerberg Biohub San Francisco (search) (CZ Biohub SF) covering a method for combined single-cell DNA methylation (search) and genome variation analyses. The invention originated at Stanford and enables simultaneous, high-resolution readouts of genomic variants (search) and DNA methylation from the same single cell using a non-destructive workflow that preserves DNA integrity.
The licensed technology will enable BioSkryb to create products that help researchers analyze epigenetic state and genetic change in the same single cell, clarifying clonal evolution, resistance mechanisms, and rare-cell biology in areas such as oncology (search) and neurology (search).
Addressing Critical Research Needs
"Customers have been clear: they want detailed insights on both methylation and variants from the same cell, without compromising sample integrity," said Suresh Pisharody, Chief Executive Officer, BioSkryb Genomics (search). "This license addresses that need directly and enables solutions for researchers to track clonal evolution, therapy resistance, and precursor lesions with the confidence that only same-cell insights can provide. BioSkryb aims to bring this exclusively licensed capability to market as quickly and efficiently as possible, after rigorous validation."
The technology offers several key advantages for precision medicine research. It enables researchers to tie methylation dynamics to specific variants in the same cell to pinpoint rare subclones early and track their trajectories under treatment or disease progression. The approach also allows researchers to connect genetic change and epigenetic state over time to inform therapy selection, minimal residual disease (MRD) strategies, and progression risk in high-heterogeneity diseases.
Non-Destructive Approach for Limited Samples
The non-destructive methodology is particularly valuable for working with scarce samples, preserving material important for fine-needle aspirates (FNA) and limited tissue or blood while enabling downstream analysis and validation.
Looking ahead, BioSkryb's roadmap includes a modular product architecture enabling customers, for the first time, to analyze genomic variants (search), methylation, the transcriptome, and the surface proteome from the same cell within a cohesive workflow.
AI Integration for Data Interpretation
To help customers interpret these vastly richer discoveries, BioSkryb is investing in AI and machine learning to integrate single cell multiomic data into interpretable features and novel biomarker candidates—an emerging need as multi-omic single-cell datasets grow in scale and complexity.
"Bringing non-destructive, same-cell methylation together with variant analysis moves single-cell biology from partial snapshots to a more complete molecular picture," said Charles (Chuck) Gawad, MD, PhD, Chief Scientific Officer and Founder, BioSkryb Genomics (search). "When epigenetic state and genetic variation are measured in concert, researchers can connect cause and consequence in ways that accelerate discovery and, ultimately, precision medicine."
Broader Access to Breakthrough Technology
"At CZ Biohub SF, our mission is to accelerate discovery and responsibly translate breakthroughs for broad public benefit," said Melinda Griffith, Chief Operating Officer, Biohub SF. "Licensing this invented method to BioSkryb enables wider access to combined single-cell methylation and variant analysis, supporting researchers and, ultimately, patients."
BioSkryb Genomics (search) is a rapidly growing organization that is transforming single-cell molecular discovery and analysis. Through its single-cell whole genome and transcriptome amplification tools and services, scientists and clinicians can gain an unprecedented view of the genome, transcriptome, and targeted proteins from each single cell to better understand the drivers and mechanisms of diseases. The company is headquartered in Durham, North Carolina.