SHANNON BEATTIE GENOME DIAGNOSTICS
How is business? GenoME Diagnostics Ltd is developing novel blood tests for the earlier diagnosis of ovarian cancer. Our pipeline utilises leading technology to provide user-friendly and costeffective diagnostics. It could be applied to biomarker discovery and development in a wide range of diseases and applications, which we plan to pursue, both in-house and for external parties. We are an early-stage company, recently ‘spinning out’ from the Patrick G Johnston Centre for Cancer Research (PGJCCR) at Queen’s University Belfast (QUB), and we are about to close our first round of funding. GenoME Diagnostics Ltd was founded on a decade of scientific research, and when we began setting up the company, little did we think it would be during a global pandemic. How did you get started in the industry? GenoME Diagnostics Ltd is founded on the fantastic research primarily conducted by Dr Paul Mullan, Dr James P Beirne and Dr Laura Feeney. They all play leading roles in the delivery of the company’s key objectives. Paul is a reader in oncology at QUB and leads a lab group in PGJCCR, primarily focussing on ovarian, breast and prostate cancer research. James is a consultant gynaecological surgical oncologist at the Trinity St James’s Cancer Institute in Dublin and Laura is an academic clinical lecturer at QUB. Paul and James initially developed the Ovarian Cancer Project, with the support of the PGJCCR Ovarian Cancer Research Focus Group, from the discoveries of James’ doctoral research. Laura then joined the team, to elevate the project to the next stage, and also completed her PhD under the supervision of Paul. Having finished my doctoral research, I was very lucky that the Ovarian Cancer Project team recognised my skills and attributes and selected me to be the early career researcher for the program. It was a fantastic opportunity and enabled me to travel across the globe (just in the nick of time before the necessary worldwide travel restrictions) to various tradeshows; performing market discovery and interacting with potential customers and partners. That led to securing further
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Entrepreneur of the Month InnovateUK funding and the formation of the company. Typically, who are your clients or customers? Initially, we will be focussing on the development of our ovarian cancer diagnostics. Subsequently we aim to apply the novel pipeline in other disease areas. Once the appropriate validation and regulatory approval has been achieved, GenoME Diagnostics Ltd will aim to supply our novel ovarian cancer diagnostics globally to healthcare providers, biotech and clinical trial providers – essentially anyone requiring a more accurate diseasespecific ovarian cancer test. Do you enjoy what you do, and what in particular? I love my job and I think it is incredibly exciting to be involved in such an innovative company which has the potential to make a real impact to women’s lives. I enjoy getting to be both hands on with the science while interacting and developing relationships with people of a wide variety of jobs, backgrounds and interests. In particular I am excited to see this innovative ovarian cancer diagnostic develop step by step and I am continually motivated by it’s potential.
What is the most difficult part of your job? Although our diagnostic tests are performed on well-established technologies, it is an innovative discovery pipeline and product, so we have to perform a fair amount of optimisation. This requires considerable troubleshooting and forward planning. Throughout this transition I have been very lucky to have received such great support from the GenoME team, QUB and programs such as InterTradeIreland Seedcorn competition. What are the challenges facing your sector, and the economy in general? There is no question that the ongoing global pandemic is proving challenging for many businesses across all sectors. However, we have been fortunate that laboratory research has continued, albeit under increased health and safety restrictions. Like many areas, the life sciences sector will see many changes post coronavirus and Brexit. This may include cuts in funding opportunities and less opportunity for EU funding, potential supply interruptions, and regulatory changes such as a new requirement for both UK and EU approval. All of these potential issues will have varying effects on GenoME Diagnostics and only time will tell which will have the most significant impact. ■