Advancing PCR-Free Precision Detection of Liver Disease Mutations
| Reference number | |
| Coordinator | Countagen AB |
| Funding from Vinnova | SEK 950 000 |
| Project duration | November 2025 - December 2026 |
| Status | Ongoing |
| Venture | Deepened international collaborations |
| Call | Deepened collaboration with USA, UK and Singapore within Health and Life Science |
Purpose and goal
The primary objective is to generate proof-of-concept data demonstrating Countagen´s padlock probe platform (GeneAbacus) as a rapid, cost-effective, and sensitive mutation screening method for patients with liver injuries. The project will focus on detecting hotspot mutations, like FOXO1 S22W from cell-free DNA (cfDNA) in collaboration with the Francis Crick Institute.
Expected effects and result
The expected result is a validated, PCR-free screening workflow for liver disease mutations, with demonstrated sensitivity of 0.1% allele frequency. This includes validated probes for FOXO1, a functional workflow implemented at the Crick Institute, and a joint publication. The long-term effect is a rapid, cost-effective screening tool that enables broader screening and earlier detection of liver disease.
Planned approach and implementation
The project is divided into three work packages (WPs) in collaboration with the Crick Institute. WP1 (Jan-May 2026) focuses on technology development and validating probes. WP2 (Mar-Aug 2026) optimizes assay sensitivity for low-frequency variants (0.1%) using patient cfDNA samples. WP3 (Aug-Dec 2026) involves technology transfer, training, and independent validation at the Crick Institute, culminating in a joint publication.