Oncobit obtains CE marking for cancer treatment

The Schlieren-based MedTech start-up Oncobit has been awarded its first CE marking for one of its products. Oncobit PM BRAFV600 is used for the monitoring of treatment response, minimal residual disease and disease recurrence of melanoma, further details of which can be found in a press release. It can uncover proof of BRAFV600 mutations in the blood of a patient. BRAF is a specific type of human gene.

According to the press release, the IVD (in-vitro diagnostics) system developed by Oncobit comprises a digital PCR assay and software to analyze and interpret the generated data. Oncobit, formed as a spin-off from the University of Zurich, is currently in talks with a number of Swiss hospitals with a view to introducing its personalized monitoring solution in clinical settings.

“Using the digital PCR technology in combination with an in-house developed software allows us to detect individual cancer markers in the patient’s blood in a more sensitive and specific manner compared to existing solutions and will revolutionize the monitoring of melanoma patient”, explains CEO Claudia Scheckel in the press release.

Oncobit offers various test methods, such as Oncobit DxM for examining tissue samples and Oncobit LBM for examining blood samples from melanoma patients. Regarding Oncobit PM, the company website explains in short profiles covering the various products that PM enables highly sensitive monitoring of specific molecular alterations with a short turnaround time, while the number and type of alterations evaluated is customized for each patient on a case by case basis.