Tvaster Genkalp Private Limited
Tvaster Genkalp is a pioneering healthtech startup specializing in molecular diagnostics, with a focus on creating innovative solutions for cancer detection. Tvaster has developed its innovative platform, Sequencing Independent Quantitative Methylation Profiling (qSIMP). This technology builds on the company’s expertise in methylation-based diagnostics. The qSIMP platform profiles methylation patterns and quantifies hypermethylation in cell-free DNA, providing a powerful tool for the detection of cancer. By enabling the precise identification of aberrant methylation patterns associated with cancers, qSIMP represents a significant advancement in the field of liquid biopsy, offering a cost-effective and accessible alternative to traditional sequencing methods.
One of its flagship products, EpiscreenTM Liver, is a cutting-edge methylation-based liquid biopsy developed specifically for the detection of Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) in patients with high-risk Chronic Liver Disease (CLD). Derived from an extensive clinical study, Episcreen Liver boasts an impressive sensitivity of 91% and a specificity of 90%, making it a powerful tool in the early identification of HCC, which can significantly improve patient outcomes through timely intervention.
Building on the success of EpiscreenTM Liver, Tvaster Genkalp recognizes the urgent need to address other forms of liver cancer, particularly Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA). CCA is a rare and aggressive cancer originating in the bile ducts, and like HCC, it is often diagnosed at a late stage due to the absence of early symptoms and reliable screening methods. The lack of effective early detection tools for CCA underscores the necessity for a blood-based diagnostic solution that can identify the disease at an earlier, more treatable stage.
Towards a Comprehensive Solution: Tvaster’s BIRAC BIG Project
Continuing its mission to innovate in cancer diagnostics, Tvaster Genkalp is leveraging the qSIMP platform in its latest initiative under the Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council’s (BIRAC) Biotechnology Ignition Grant (BIG) program. This project is focused on developing a blood-based methylation profiling solution that can not only detect CCA but also differentiate between HCC and CCA. The ability to distinguish between these two types of liver cancer is crucial, as they require different treatment approaches. Through this initiative, Tvaster aims to provide a comprehensive diagnostic tool that enhances the accuracy and timeliness of liver cancer diagnosis, thereby improving patient outcomes across multiple cancer types.