What Universal DX does
Universal DX is a biotech company dedicated to transforming cancer into a curable disease by detecting it early. Through bioinformatics and multi-omics, UDX is deciphering the unique cfDNA sequences that capture cancer’s earliest signals, working to address high- burden cancers like colorectal, lung, pancreatic, liver, and esophageal.
The Current Landscape
In 2024 alone, an estimated 2,001,140 new cases of cancer will be diagnosed in the United States and more than 600,000 people will die from the disease. 1 Early detection is critical in a patient’s health outcome, noting the importance of raising awareness and increasing access to available screening resources and technologies. The screening market is estimated at $20bn per year in the US alone.
Colorectal cancer itself is the second most common cause of cancer deaths in the U.S. when combining men and women. 2 Despite this alarming statistic, colon cancer is preventable with early detection and screening. While cColonoscopy is considered the gold standard when it comes to colorectal cancer screening, 3 and is necessary as a diagnostic follow-up to a positive result from a stool-based test or a blood test such as Signal-C®
Company Birth Story
Since 2012, an international, multi-disciplinary highly experienced team at Universal DX has been focused on cracking cancer’s code. Through multi-omics and machine learning models, UDX has figured out how to read the disease’s signals in order to detect it in its earliest stages.
The company was founded on Silicon Valley’s ideals of technology and development (Singularity University), and quickly developed a network of world-class R&D partners including Quest Diagnostics and Hologic (Diagenode). Its Scientific Advisory Board includes leading oncologists, gastroenterologists and business experts from the U.S. and Europe.
The Solution
Universal DX is poised to build a platform that identifies unique DNA regions associated with different types of cancers, starting with colorectal cancer. Its most advanced assay is for colorectal cancer screening and the company recently initiated a clinical trial for its for Signal-C® Colorectal Screening Blood Test with the goal of achieving FDA premarket approval. In August 2024, Universal DX completed its Series B funding with investors Quest Diagnostics and Olympus Innovation Ventures.
Signal-C® uses next-generation sequencing (NGS) and bioinformatics to identify methylated DNA patterns and fragments shed by colorectal cancer tumors circulating in the bloodstream. The UDX Signal-C® test has repeatedly demonstrated high accuracy as presented in Digestive Disease Week 2023.
A Customer Story
hgvhnbnvnThe clinical trial for Signal-C® is under way and the study is on target to reach its recruiting goal of enrolling at least 15,000 patients across 100 investigator sites by December 2025.
The Team Culture
The team at the forefront of developing innovative liquid biopsy tests for the early detection of cancer is united by a shared mission: to create a future where cancer is curable. This diverse group of more than 100 passionate professionals, spread across the U.S. and Europe, brings together perspectives, skills, and expertise from over 10 different countries. Many team members have personal experiences with cancer, either having faced it themselves or through a loved one, and this deep, personal connection drives their work every day. Whether collaborating on complex challenges or celebrating milestones, their collective focus remains unwavering. It is also not disrupted by red eye flights or very early or late Zoom calls. Their work environment is marked by resilience, mutual support, and an unshakeable belief in the power of science and collaboration to transform the future of healthcare.
A founder quote
“We are thrilled to announce the start of our FDA validation for Signal-C. After securing the funding required, UDX is one step closer to reaching the market with a non-invasive, highly accurate blood test for screening for colorectal cancer. Early detection is crucial, and our technology has the potential to significantly reduce the mortality of this disease through a convenient, quality and accessible option to screen for colorectal cancer.”
Check it out https://www.universaldx.com/
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