Vortex announces clinical study with University of Maryland Baltimore

Oncology liquid biopsy company Vortex Biotech Holdings has announced a collaborative agreement with the University of Maryland Baltimore (UMB) to advance clinical investigations of Vortex’s technology alongside UMB’s Tetherchip research.

Vortex’s liquid biopsy technology works by automating the capture and collection of Circulating Tumour Cells (CTCs) directly from whole blood, a challenging task because of their low abundance amidst millions of white and red blood cells.

UMB’s Tetherchip research enables the isolation of cells in a “free-floating” form, offering a unique view of these cells and their behaviour.

 

The study will be led by Dr Stuart Martin, Professor of Pharmacology & Physiology at the University of Maryland School of Medicine and will involve 50 patients with progressive breast cancer.

Vortex and UMB will work in close sequence, bringing together Vortex’s expertise in CTC capture and UMB’s innovative cell isolation techniques to offer a comprehensive, high-resolution analysis of CTCs.

By isolating CTCs and visualising them through the Tetherchip platform, the research team will gain unprecedented insights into cancer biology.

These findings hold the potential to transform cancer treatment, paving the way for more personalised and effective therapies.

Professor Stuart Martin of the University of Maryland Baltimore said: “We are witnessing a paradigm shift in cancer diagnosis and treatment.

“The integration of precise diagnostics and targeted therapies is leading us into the era of personalised medicine.

“The capture and enrichment of Circulating Tumour Cells will be essential to this transformation, and I am excited to collaborate with Vortex to investigate this technology in hopes of integrating it into oncology care.”

EMV Capital-backed Vortex’s technology also offers the distinct advantage of being less invasive, faster and more comfortable for patients, without compromising the accuracy of results.

Moreover, this collaboration will provide opportunities to stress-test Vortex’s technology in a world-class clinical setting, a crucial step in preparing the Company for commercialisation.

Vortex Managing Director Paul Reeves said: “We are honoured to work alongside UMB and Professor Martin to explore new approaches to cancer care, a disease that touches so many lives.

“Together, we are providing a unique perspective on these cells, which has the potential to accelerate the development of a new generation of oncological therapies and further strengthen the commercialisation of our technology.

“This partnership represents an important step toward advancing liquid biopsy applications in oncology, enhancing both diagnostic capabilities and patient outcomes, while positioning Vortex for future growth in the oncology market.”