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Norway's Leading Companies in Health & Welfare Technology
Pioneering service offering genetic testing for tailored cancer treatment Around 35,000 Norwegians are diagnosed with cancer every year. Oncogene is the only private laboratory in Norway offering digital DNA sequencing of cancer cells and other mutations creating autoimmune diseases. Shining a light on the role genetic heritage plays in providing effective, tailored treatments for each patient, Oncogene believes precision medicine is the way forward. By Maria Sødal Vole |
Photos: Oncogene
Oncogene is located on the outskirts of the historic city of Lillestrøm. Dating back almost 25 years, Kunnskapsbyen Lillestrøm (Lillestrøm Centre of Expertise) is a unique development association focused on building bridges between science and industry with the goal of fostering innovation and sustainable growth. Oncogene is based in Kunnskapsbyens Hus at Forskningsparken Kjeller, which is one of Norway’s largest communities dedicated to research and knowledge development. The vibrant park is host to a variety of enterprises within the fields of health, science, technology and environmentally friendly business development. “We’re happy to be working alongside others in 28 | Issue 171 |
October 2024
the field of medicine, technology and innovation,” says Oncogene’s president and CEO, Morten Duesund. “The research park is the home of some of Norway’s pioneers, carrying out important research and working with cutting-edge technologies.” Morten Duesund, CEO
The innovative company is the only Norway-based service offering DNA sequencing for cancer patients, developing tailored solutions based on each patient’s individual genetics to offer better, more precise treatments and assist clinicians. “Our driving force is the patients we help,” Duesund says. He shares the story of a female patient who was told she had only a few months to live but was cleared of cancer after receiving targeted treatment informed by sequencing. “What we do saves lives – we can provide information that makes it possible for the patients and their doctors to make the best decisions for their health.” New hope in the field of cancer treatment Cancer treatment often takes a onesize-fits-all approach once the type of cancer has been identified. The standard treatment for most cancers is chemotherapy, where all cells are targeted in the hope that the cancer cells will be eradicated. “Chemotherapy is powerful, but also hard on the body,” Duesund explains. “By identifying exactly what type