Harbinger teams with SCRI for early cancer detection trial

Harbinger Health has teamed with the Sarah Cannon Research Institute (SCRI) for a 10,000-participant study focused on early cancer detection.

The trial – which is known as the cancer origin epigenetics- harbinger health (CORE-HH) study – will sign-up cancer patients at 40 sites across the US. SCRI has begun enrolment at sites affiliated with HCA Healthcare, SCRI’s parent company.

The aim is to develop and validate the diagnostic accuracy of Harbinger’s platform technology for the detection of early-stage cancer across multiple cancer types. A particular focus will be placed on proving the system’s ability to determine tumor location.

Harbinger CEO Stephen Hahn cited SCRI’s patient reach and cancer research expertise as the primary motivations for the collaboration.

“We are pleased to work with SCRI, a leading clinical research organization conducting community-based clinical trials, as we drive toward Harbinger’s goal of enabling the detection of cancer at the earliest points of disease, well before current means of screening could find it and when it’s possible to intervene with the greatest possibilities of success.”

SCRI president Howard Burris III was also enthusiastic about the potential of Harbinger’s approach to cancer diagnosis.

“Blood-based testing has emerged in recent years as a potential way to address this important need, and we are excited to partner with Harbinger Health to develop testing capabilities that should improve outcomes for cancer patients through earlier diagnosis.”

Cancer network

The partnership follows just weeks after SCRI teamed up with McKesson to set up a cancer research focused joint venture.

The idea is to create an oncology research organization aimed at accelerating drug development and increasing availability and access to trials for community oncology providers and patients, including those in under-served communities

At the time McKesson CEO Brian Tyler said “This new joint venture is an important step forward in increasing access to clinical trials, particularly within the community setting, where the majority of all cancer patients are initially treated.

Additionally, the joint venture directly aligns with McKesson’s strategic growth priorities by further expanding our differentiated oncology ecosystem and improving the value proposition for provider and biopharma partners.”

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