The Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H) has recently unveiled an exciting initiative named POSEIDON (Platform Optimizing SynBio for Early Intervention and Detection in ONcology). This program aims to drastically shift the current landscape of cancer detection through innovative, synthetic biology-based approaches. As part of this groundbreaking venture, ARPA-H is inviting potential proposers to participate in a Proposers’ Day, set to take place on September 4, 2024, from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM ET in Baltimore, MD.
What is POSEIDON?
POSEIDON stands as a beacon of hope in the ongoing battle against cancer, envisioning a future where all cancers can be detected at their earliest stages from simple at-home tests using breath or urine samples. The program is designed to develop over-the-counter Multi-Cancer-Early Detection (MCED) tests that could identify over 30 types of solid tumors at stage I, thereby increasing the likelihood of effective treatment and survival. Leveraging the latest advancements in synthetic biology for sensor and synthetic reporter designs, POSEIDON aims to create cost-effective, accessible, and accurate testing methods that could fundamentally alter cancer care and prevention.
Why Attend Proposers’ Day?
The Proposers’ Day event is an invaluable opportunity for researchers, scientists, and leaders in the oncology, biopharma, biotech, medtech, and health technology sectors to gain insights into the aims and requirements of the POSEIDON program. The event will provide detailed information about the upcoming program goals, the scope of the project, and the anticipated Innovative Solutions Opening (ISO). It’s a platform designed not only to disseminate information but also to foster collaborations and teaming opportunities essential for advancing proposals that meet the ambitious objectives of POSEIDON.
How to Participate
Interested participants need to register online by August 27, 2024, with early registration recommended due to limited space. The event promises a day full of engaging sessions, including detailed presentations on the program’s technical and logistical aspects, lightning talks for proposers to showcase their expertise, and structured networking to spur potential collaborations.
A Glimpse into the Future of Cancer Screening
POSEIDON’s approach integrates multiple disciplines, combining synthetic biology with multi-omic tumor profiling to develop sensors that can detect cancer-specific molecular signatures through non-invasive methods. This innovative strategy promises to enhance the sensitivity and specificity of cancer screenings, moving beyond the limitations of current tests that rely on tumor-shed biomarkers, which often fail to detect stage 1 tumors effectively.
The POSEIDON Proposers’ Day is not just an event but a starting point for what could be the next big leap in medical science—transforming the way we detect and respond to cancer, potentially saving millions of lives through early intervention.
By participating in this Proposers’ Day, you are stepping into a collaborative effort to change the future of cancer care, making early detection a widespread reality with the potential to significantly improve health outcomes across populations. Don’t miss out on being part of this pivotal moment in healthcare innovation.
If your company has considered applying for ARPA-H funding, your federal funding journey starts here.
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