Funding
TcLand Expression, a specialist in gene expression biomarkers in immunology, has announced that the French state innovation agency Oseo Innovation has awarded the company €1.8 million for the development of its in-house KRej-X (Kidney Rejection EXpression) research project.
The aim is to develop and clinically validate a non-invasive biomarker of chronic rejection of a kidney transplant, based on measuring gene expression levels. Early prediction of the long-term, post-transplantation prognosis is a major issue, since it enables therapy to be adapted to match the risk of graft rejection in a given recipient.
“Since the company was founded, we have focused on the use of blood tests from kidney transplant patients to detect chronic humoral rejection. In this research programme the aim is to validate the KRej-X signature as a diagnostic tool in a prospective clinical trial,” said Marina Guillet, CSO.
This should significantly improve monitoring of transplant patients, enabling better and earlier treatment of chronic rejection. The funding from Oseo Innovation confirms the potential of biomarkers in the development of personalised medicine.