The Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H) seeks innovative solutions for a groundbreaking cancer screening initiative. The Platform Optimizing SynBio for Early Intervention and Detection in Oncology (POSEIDON) program aims to develop at-home, over-the-counter tests for early-stage detection of 30+ solid tumor cancers using breath and/or urine samples. This ambitious project involves two Technical Areas: Technical Area 1 (TA1) focuses on designing synthetic sensors and reporters for cancer detection, while Technical Area 2 (TA2) centers on creating low-cost screening kits integrating hardware, software, and telemedicine capabilities. The program's three phases cover preclinical and clinical development, with strict timelines and performance metrics. Proposals must cover both technical areas and adhere to accessibility, commercialization, and regulatory engagement requirements. ARPA-H seeks to award multiple Other Transaction Agreements, prioritizing solutions that detect a broad range of cancers with high sensitivity and specificity.
The Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H) seeks innovative solutions for its Platform Optimizing SynBio for Early Intervention and Detection in Oncology (POSEIDON) program. The goal is to develop accessible at-home tests for early detection of multiple cancers using synthetic biology approaches. POSEIDON aims to reduce cancer deaths and economic burdens by detecting 30+ solid tumor types at Stage 1 through breath and urine samples.
The solicitation seeks proposals for developing synthetic sensors and reporters for early cancer detection, with a focus on 30 specific tumor types. Performers must propose solutions for Technical Area 1 (TA1), involving sensor and reporter development, and Technical Area 2 (TA2), centered on creating a low-cost screening kit. The desired kit would enable self-administration, sample collection, and detection without requiring healthcare provider involvement.
Proposed solutions must align with the program's three-phase structure, covering discovery and development, non-clinical testing, and clinical testing. Performers are expected to achieve specific technical milestones within each phase, including in silico, in vitro, and in vivo validations. Additionally, commercialization plans, regulatory engagement, and accessibility goals are critical evaluation criteria.
Key dates include a proposers' day event on September 4, 2024, and a priority submission deadline of November 6, 2024. ARPA-H intends to award multiple Other Transaction Agreements, with full proposals due in January 2025.
The ARPA-H-SOL-24-109, POSEIDON solicitation focuses on developing advanced at-home Multi-Cancer Early Detection (MCED) tests aimed at early-stage identification of over 30 solid tumors using synthetic biology. The program, titled Platform Optimizing SynBio for Early Intervention and Detection in Oncology (POSEIDON), seeks whitepapers from eligible entities to create low-cost, accessible tests using breath and urine samples. It emphasizes leveraging innovative synthetic biology and engineering to design sensors and synthetic reporters to detect cancer at Stage I, potentially saving millions of lives and reducing the economic burden of late-stage cancer care.
Key objectives include rigorous selection of cancer types for testing, integration with telehealth systems for result transmission, and ensuring accessibility for underserved populations. The solicitation outlines a three-phase structure encompassing discovery, preclinical, and clinical validation, with stringent performance metrics and regular progress evaluations. Multi-disciplinary teams are required to include project management and outreach coordinators, highlighting the importance of equitable healthcare access. Ultimately, POSEIDON aims to transform cancer diagnostics, ensuring technologies are commercialized and accessible at an estimated price of $100 or less.
The Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H) issues a Proposers' Day announcement for the POSEIDON Program. POSEIDON aims to develop innovative, at-home cancer detection tests using synthetic biology. The goal is to detect multiple cancer types in their early stages, revolutionizing cancer screening. ARPA-H seeks proposals for the development of sensors and synthetic reporters for urine-based or breath-based tests. These tests must target at least 30 different solid tumor types. The program is structured into two technical areas: Technical Area 1 focuses on sensor and reporter development, while Technical Area 2 covers the design of a low-cost kit for at-home screening, integrating hardware and software components. Proposals can address one or both technical approaches, with ARPA-H encouraging collaboration among academic and commercial entities. The agency envisions a five-year program divided into three phases: discovery and development, IND-enabling studies, and clinical testing. Key information about the Proposers' Day event is provided, including registration details and the program's objectives. Potential proposers are invited to attend to learn more about the funding opportunity and form collaborations.