Oxford Cancer Biomarkers

We are delighted and honoured to be the first customer for the Meridian IT PowerAI Vision platform, powered by IBM. This will enable OCB to dramatically speed up the development and commercialisation of precision tools to advance standards of care in personalised medicine for cancer. Vivolution has been fundamental in creating this collaboration with IBM and Meridian IT and to help solve a global healthcare challenge.

David Browning CEO

Background

Oxford Cancer Biomarkers

Colon cancer is a scourge and a killer – Oxford Cancer Biomarkers was established out of the University of Oxford laboratories to help develop personalised medicine within oncology, specifically colorectal cancer, to help obtain the best outcomes for individuals with this illness.

Internationally renowned Professors David Kerr and Nick La Thangue started OCB from the laboratories of the University of Oxford in 2012. Their aim was to discover and develop biomarkers using screening platforms to advance personalised medicine within oncology, specifically colorectal cancer and its treatments.

Since then, we have built a world class development team consisting of industry professionals, leading scientists and oncologists, retaining strong links to Oxford University. Together we have developed pioneering biomarker technology products that put each individual patient at the centre of cancer treatment.

For more details on Oxford Cancer Biomarkers, continue reading below.

Approach

Founded by internationally renowned professors David Kerr and Nick La Thangue, OCB believes that the early detection of cancer risk by using personalised medicine and digital healthcare can dramatically improve the outcomes for patients. Using cutting-edge biomarkers to aid with early diagnosis, personalisation of chemotherapy regimens and lifestyle advice, OCP can help clinicians, insurers and state medical providers to provide the best treatment for colon cancer sufferers.

Impact

The company is working closely with medical institutions to further develop its products and services, having already validated its existing product suite. OCB is a partner to the University Hospital Coventry, and with Warwickshire NHS Trust successfully bid for £10 million in UK government research funding. The company’s ToxNav genetic test for susceptibility to adverse reactions from SFU/capcitabine chemotherapy was launched commercially in the third quarter of 2018 while its ColoPredict test (predicting those at risk from colorectal cancer) has already been clinically validated in over 50,000 patients.

Journey So Far

The level of scientific rigour involved in a project such as OCB requires extensive support in its technology. In particular, honing diagnostic efficiency requires significant machine learning and artificial intelligence capabilities. Vivolution has enabled OCB develop a relationship with world leader IBM and Meridian IT, an IBM platinum global partner, to enhance OCB’s machine-learning capability for image analysis. Through this linkup, OCB has received unprecedented access to the expertise it needs, which has helped the company prepare for widespread adoption of its ColoPredict product in workplace and insurance schemes. At the same time, Vivolution has helped with the ongoing commercialisation of the product, helping build partnerships with major IT service providers for NHS lab scanner contracts.