BioSequence, the only center in Spain offering advanced genomic analysis for all types of cancer, has just joined the Belgian company OncoDNA

What are the origins of BioSequence?

The mission of BioSequence is to bring the latest advances in oncological research to clinical practice by introducing precision oncology for the purpose of offering oncologists genomic studies that increase the options of personalizing treatment for cancer patients. This has a variety of implications. In the first place, we offer a more in-depth analysis, as we're guided not only by the site where the disease appears but also by the molecular and biological causes underlying it. In second place, in a context in which the diagnostic tools being used analyze only one gene or a small group of genes, BioSequence has ultra-sequencing platforms that can analyze large numbers of genes in a single test to obtain a more complete snapshot of the alterations causing the disease. A consequence of all this is that it enhances the effectiveness of the drugs, thus avoiding unnecessary treatments, reducing costs and discomfort and side effects in the patient's life.

 

And what is OncoDNA?
OncoDNA brings together experts with over 60 years of experience in sequencing DNA and diagnostic analysis in oncology. It is a pioneering Belgian company in cancer theranostics (therapy and diagnoses) specializing in precision medicine for the treatment of this pathology.

 

How did the relationship between the two companies begin?
Two years ago we started out as an exclusive distributor for OncoDNA solutions in Spain. Then, after a capital expansion at the Belgian company, the team of Jean-Pol Detiffe, founder and CEO of OncoDNA, saw us as a good business developer and entrusted us with the task of continuing to achieve goals and expand together into other markets. BioSequence's incorporation in OncoDNA was also thanks to our reputation in Spain and our relationship with the scientific and medical community. The team was well aware that service and patient care is very important in oncology, and they considered us the ideal partner for it. And we're very proud of that.

 

What do you gain with the union between the two companies?
What we gain at BioSequence with our entry in OncoDNA is on the one hand the availability of more means and resources to more actively explore new analyses and alternatives for tackling cancer; and on the other hand, we broaden our geographic sphere of action; our frontiers are enlarged with operations in Portugal and soon in Latin America.

 

What is Spain's importance in the OncoDNA strategy?
The Spanish market has great potential for growth because although oncologists are becoming increasingly interested in precision medicine, the advances are much more accessible in other countries: in the United States a genetic study is made of all cancer patients' tumors, practically on a routine basis. That is, the demand is there, but there's not much supply of this type of services. There's much still to do in society.

 

How does the agreement affect the employees?
The team of professionals at BioSequence will join the sales force of OncoDNA. This way highly-qualified professionals with proven experience will pool their know-how and expertise in the Spanish market with the Belgian company. Additionally, their frontiers will expand with operations in other countries.

 

What projects do you currently have underway and what are the upcoming challenges?
We continue advancing in research, as always to give agile responses to the most pressing needs of oncologists and patients. We are also placing particular emphasis on the improvement and knowledge of the OncoSHARE interactive platform, which allows each patient's tumor profile to be stored anonymously and related with all the available scientific knowledge and treatment. Similarly, we continue promoting the interactive guide entitled Oncología Personalizada (Personalized Oncology), which cancer patients can access completely free to monitor their disease more closely.

The upcoming challenges follow the line of our expansion strategy, namely, to start operating in different countries in Latin America in the medium term.