One step closer to better chemo for cancer

Rna Diagnostics: Diagnostic for better chemo

Congratulations to MaRS client RNA Diagnostics Inc., winners of the 2010 sanofi pasteur Healthcare and Biotechnology Venture Challenge (HBVC)!

Rna Diagnostics’ product target is called RNA Disruption Assay (RDA), a potentially powerful, cost-saving diagnostic tool for managing cancer chemotherapy. RDA measures RNA disruption in cancer cells, which should enable doctors to assess the efficacy of chemotherapy in individual patients, and to amend the regimen if response is inadequate. Based on RDA’s results, this could allow doctors to decide to continue chemotherapy in cases where the patient is responding well, to suspend or change therapy in non-responsive patients. This technology has the potential to improve chemotherapy patient outcomes and help some patients avoid unnecessary toxic side effects of chemotherapy, including immunosuppression and premature death.

The annual HBVC competition pairs Schulich MBA students with the researchers and scientists of health care technology ventures, strengthening collaborative ties between the business and science communities. The 2010 incarnation included nine teams; winners were announced in December. For taking first place, the MBA students involved shared a $10,000 prize, while RNA Diagnostics also received a significant benefit: access to MaRS advisory services with a guarantee of at least $2500 in services.

Welcome to Rna Diagnostics – we look forward to serving you!

If you’re interested in knowing more about MaRS advisory services don’t hesitate to get in touch or check out the website. We’d love to help your venture reach its next milestone.

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Tags: awards & competitions, clients, diagnostics, health care, life sciences, RNADiagnostics