Advocating Asian-Centric Precision Diagnostics
Precision Medicine is an emerging approach where individual and group variability in genes, environment, and lifestyle are integrated to predict disease risk, diagnose disease, tailor therapies, and reduce clinical complications. By analysing Asian-centric population-scale genomic, clinical, and lifestyle data, targeted strategies can be developed for specific individuals and groups to improve outcomes and maximise health span while mitigating healthcare costs. A*STAR is at the forefront of cutting-edge R&D activities driving new insights into disease mechanisms and regulatory biology, and data generated by large-scale PM initiatives for precision diagnostics.
Case Studies
Oncology Research & Applications in Precision Medicine
Singapore is making significant strides in oncology research and applications within the realm of precision medicine. Through strategic partnerships and innovative spin-offs, A*STAR is at the forefront of developing cutting-edge diagnostics and therapeutics to combat cancer more effectively.
Here are two key initiatives driving this progress:
BC Platforms working with A*STAR's Biomed DAR and Privacy Preserving to increase fidelity of research data for multi-party computing
In a landmark collaboration, A*STAR - Agency for Science, Technology, and Research, and BC Platforms have launched a joint lab aimed at advancing secure biomedical data informatics. This partnership is a significant milestone in enhancing the fidelity of research data for multi-party computing, fostering innovations with real-world applications, and ultimately improving patient outcomes.
Secure Biomedical Data Informatics with BC Platforms and A*STAR (Source - LinkedIn)
National Precision Medicine Programme
Singapore’s National Precision Medicine Programme is a whole-of-government effort to drive precision health research, improve patient outcomes, and capture economic value.
A*STAR’s wide-ranging and multidisciplinary scientific expertise has contributed greatly to this programme. These include developing polygenic risk scores and genomic imputation services which are made available in the NPM web portal: extraction, sequencing, data QC and primary to secondary processing and development of reference panel; and tertiary level analysis such as protein modelling work.
New Multi-Omics Detection Platforms for Precision Medicine Through A*STAR Spinoffs
A*STAR has nurtured several innovative spin-offs focused on advancing cancer diagnostics. Notable among these are:
MiRXES - Early Detection of Gastric Cancer
Lucence - Early Detection of Various Cancers
End-to-End Diagnostics Systems with Integrated Workflow
A*STAR is committed to enhancing clinical diagnostic workflows through a comprehensive, end-to-end approach. This methodology ensures quality execution and holistic capabilities from sample collection to output, integrating advanced technologies at every stage.
Microfluidics Foundry: ISO13485
A*STAR houses the ISO13485 Microfluidics Foundry which innovates in polymer microfluidics manufacturing to create value from emerging applications for rapid sample processing, molecular diagnostics, and biological sample analysis. The foundry possesses capabilities for customized plastic chip moulding, bonding, assembly and testing and houses a microfabrication line with robust processes to ensure unparalleled quality and value.
Process Technology
- Mould Fabrication & Structuring
- Secondary high throughput bonding & surface modification
- Monitoring control & automation
Microfluidics Application
- Design and Simulation
- Flow manipulation
- Sensor development and integration
COVID-19 Case Study
Improving End-to-End PCR Test Workflow
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, A*STAR has developed a streamlined end-to-end PCR test workflow to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and safety in diagnostic testing.
Key Components
- RESOLUTE Series:
The strategic partnership between DSO and A*STAR resulted in the co-development of the direct PCR SARSCoV-2 detection kits RESOLUTE 1.0, and subsequently, RESOLUTE 2.0, which have proved pivotal in the early COVID-19 pandemic response. RESOLUTE 2.0 does not require the need for extraction of viral RNA from patient test samples. This minimises potential human errors and halves the test delivery time. - RAVE/BRAVE+:
Lab automation and liquid handlers designed to process samples with minimal manual intervention. These systems automate critical steps such as uncap & cap, barcode reading, and sample transfer to deep well plates and secondary tubes. - INSPECTA:
INSPECTA uses a Machine Learning algorithm to reduce the time required to interpret quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) results in high volume laboratory workflows.
Workflow Stages
- Sample Inactivation:
Safely inactivating the virus in collected samples to ensure safe handling. - Barcode Read:
Scanning barcodes for sample identification and tracking. - Uncap & Cap:
Automated uncap and cap of sample containers to prepare for processing. - Deep Well Plate Processing:
Transferring samples into 96 deep well plates for high-throughput processing. - PCR Analysis:
Extracting RNA and performing PCR analysis to detect the presence of SARS-CoV-2.