Fast automated test to profile cancer genome structure
Official title: Commercialization of a rapid, automated Hi-C platform for sensitive genomic profiling of multiple cancer sample types
Funded at Cantata Bio LLC · NIH-11194324 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A fast automated lab test that looks for a wide range of DNA changes in tumors to help people with cancer get clearer genetic answers for care.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 2 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Cantata Bio LLC NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Worcester, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | September 18, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $746,680 |
| NIH project number | 5R44HG014126-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11194324 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People with cancer who have tumor tissue available and need more comprehensive genetic profiling—especially when prior tests found no actionable changes—would be ideal candidates.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without available tumor samples, whose care does not depend on genetic testing, or whose cancers are driven mainly by non-genetic factors may not benefit directly.
What this research studies
This project is commercializing VariLink, a rapid Hi-C based lab workflow that maps how DNA is folded in tumor cells to reveal large structural changes and smaller mutations in one run. The company aims to make the test fast (under 8 hours) and automated so it can be used on many types of cancer samples. By using long-range DNA linkage information, the test is designed to catch structural variants that standard sequencing can miss while still identifying small mutations. The work focuses on validating and scaling the method so it can be offered by clinical labs.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could reveal previously missed cancer-causing DNA changes and expand personalized treatment or clinical trial options.
How similar studies have gone: Hi-C and other genome-mapping techniques have shown promise in research for finding structural variants in tumors, but rapid, automated commercial platforms like this are relatively new.
Where this research is happening
-
Cantata Bio LLC
Worcester, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Munding, Elizabeth — Cantata Bio LLC
- Study coordinator: Munding, Elizabeth
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Pangenome-based Inference of a Patient’s Germline Genome from a Single Tumor Sample
A new bioinformatics tool will help identify a patient’s inherited genome from one tumor sequencing sample, making cancer genetics analyses easier and more affordable.
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A new method for quickly analyzing cancer-related genetic changes
This study is testing a new, faster way to find genetic changes linked to cancer, using a special tool called VariLink that can help doctors understand your cancer better and find more targeted treatments for you.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.