The Convergence of HealthTech and Health Equity

June 19, 2024

The healthcare industry is undergoing a significant transformation driven by rapid technological advancements and a growing emphasis on patient-centric care. Innovations in health technology (HealthTech) are revolutionizing various aspects of healthcare, from diagnostics and treatment to patient monitoring and health management. As this industry evolves, there is an increasing recognition of the critical need to address health disparities and promote health equity.


Health equity, the principle that everyone should have a fair opportunity to attain their full health potential regardless of social, economic, or demographic factors, is emerging as a pivotal area of focus. Despite advancements in healthcare, significant disparities in health outcomes persist across different communities, often influenced by race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and geographic location. These disparities not only lead to profound human consequences but also carry substantial economic implications.


The convergence of HealthTech and health equity offers a unique opportunity to bridge these gaps and ensure equitable access to quality care for all individuals. By leveraging cutting-edge technologies such as digital health platforms, data analytics, artificial intelligence (AI), and telemedicine, HealthTech startups are poised to play a crucial role in promoting health equity.


This article explores the investment opportunities within this burgeoning intersection of HealthTech and health equity. We will delve into the importance of health equity, the role of HealthTech in addressing these challenges, and the strategies investors can adopt to support startups that are committed to making healthcare more equitable and accessible for underserved communities.


The Importance of Health Equity


Health equity is the principle that every individual should have a fair and just opportunity to attain their highest level of health. This concept emphasizes the need to remove obstacles to health such as poverty, discrimination, and their consequences, including lack of access to good jobs with fair pay, quality education and housing, safe environments, and healthcare.


Despite the progress in medical science and healthcare delivery, significant health disparities persist across various communities. These disparities are often driven by a complex interplay of race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and geography. For instance, racial and ethnic minorities frequently experience higher rates of chronic diseases, lower life expectancy, and poorer health outcomes compared to their white counterparts. Similarly, individuals from low-income backgrounds or those living in rural areas often face barriers to accessing healthcare services, leading to worse health outcomes.


The economic implications of these health disparities are substantial. A report by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation and Altarum highlighted that health disparities and premature deaths among racial and ethnic minorities in the United States resulted in an estimated economic loss of $1.24 trillion between 2003 and 2006. These costs stem from increased medical expenses, lost productivity, and the broader societal impact of untreated or poorly managed health conditions.


Addressing health equity is not only a moral and social imperative but also an economic necessity. By closing the health equity gap, we can improve the overall health of the population, reduce healthcare costs, and enhance economic productivity. This is where HealthTech can make a significant impact by developing innovative solutions that improve access to quality care for underserved communities, ultimately contributing to a more equitable healthcare system.


The Role of HealthTech in Promoting Health Equity


HealthTech startups are uniquely positioned to address health equity challenges through innovative solutions that leverage technology to improve access, affordability, and quality of care. By harnessing the power of digital platforms, data analytics, artificial intelligence (AI), and telemedicine, these startups can overcome traditional barriers and reach underserved communities more effectively.


Leveraging Digital Platforms and Data Analytics

Digital platforms enable the delivery of healthcare services to patients regardless of their geographical location. Telemedicine, for instance, allows patients in remote or underserved areas to consult with healthcare providers without the need for travel. This reduces the barriers to accessing care and ensures that more people can receive timely medical attention.


Data analytics and AI play a crucial role in understanding and addressing health disparities. By analyzing large datasets, HealthTech companies can identify patterns and trends that highlight the specific needs of underserved communities. This information can then be used to develop targeted interventions that address these needs more effectively.


Example 1: Cityblock Health

Cityblock Health is a prime example of a HealthTech startup that is actively addressing health equity challenges. Founded in 2017, Cityblock Health provides value-based healthcare services to underserved urban communities. The company leverages data analytics and personalized care plans to improve health outcomes and reduce costs.


Cityblock Health partners with payers and providers to deliver comprehensive care tailored to the unique needs of each community. Their approach focuses on integrating primary care, behavioral health, and social services to address the full spectrum of health and social needs. By focusing on the whole person, Cityblock Health aims to reduce healthcare disparities and improve the overall well-being of their members.


Example 2: Omada Health

Omada Health is another notable HealthTech startup making strides in promoting health equity. Omada Health offers digital behavior change programs for chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and obesity. Their programs combine personalized coaching, interactive lessons, and digital tracking tools to support individuals in making sustainable health improvements.


Omada Health's virtual care model makes their programs accessible to a wide range of populations, including those in underserved areas. By providing accessible and personalized care, Omada Health aims to improve health outcomes and reduce healthcare costs, particularly for populations that traditionally have limited access to high-quality care.


The convergence of HealthTech and health equity is creating significant opportunities to address long-standing disparities in healthcare. Startups like Cityblock Health and Omada Health are leading the way by developing and implementing innovative solutions that leverage technology to provide equitable access to care. By focusing on the specific needs of underserved communities, these companies are not only improving health outcomes but also demonstrating the potential for HealthTech to transform the healthcare landscape in a more inclusive and equitable manner.


Investment Opportunities in Health Equity HealthTech



The convergence of HealthTech and health equity is not only addressing critical healthcare needs but also creating substantial investment opportunities. As the demand for equitable and accessible healthcare solutions continues to grow, investors are increasingly recognizing the potential of HealthTech startups that focus on health equity.


Increasing Demand for Equitable and Accessible Healthcare Solutions

Healthcare disparities driven by socioeconomic, racial, and geographic factors have long been a challenge. The COVID-19 pandemic has further highlighted the urgent need for solutions that ensure everyone has access to quality healthcare. This increased awareness and demand for health equity are driving growth in the HealthTech sector, particularly in startups that develop innovative, equitable healthcare solutions.


Growth in Venture Capital Funding

The growth in venture capital funding for digital health equity startups reflects the rising interest and potential in this space. According to a report by Rock Health, digital health equity startups raised over $1.6 billion in venture capital funding in 2021, a significant increase from previous years. This surge in investment underscores the market's recognition of the importance and opportunity in addressing health disparities through technology.


Key Considerations for Investors

Investing in health equity HealthTech startups requires a nuanced understanding of the unique challenges and considerations involved. Here are some key factors that investors should evaluate:


Navigating Complex Regulatory Landscapes

HealthTech startups often face complex regulatory requirements, especially those that operate in areas like telemedicine, digital therapeutics, and AI in healthcare. Investors need to assess the startup’s ability to navigate these regulatory landscapes effectively. This includes understanding the approval processes, compliance with health regulations, and the startup’s strategies for managing regulatory risks.


Building Trust Within Underserved Communities

Trust is crucial when delivering healthcare solutions to underserved communities. Startups must demonstrate cultural competence and engage with communities in meaningful ways to build trust. Investors should look for startups that have strong community engagement strategies and partnerships with local organizations. These connections can facilitate better understanding of the community's needs and improve the adoption of health solutions.


Demonstrating Measurable Improvements in Health Outcomes

Successful health equity HealthTech startups must show measurable improvements in health outcomes. This requires robust data collection and analysis capabilities to track and report on the effectiveness of their solutions. Investors should prioritize startups that can provide clear, evidence-based results demonstrating their impact on health disparities and overall community health.


Scalability and Replicability of Solutions

The ability to scale and replicate solutions across different communities is essential for maximizing impact and return on investment. Startups should have a clear plan for scaling their operations and adapting their solutions to various settings. Investors should evaluate the scalability of the startup’s technology, business model, and operational infrastructure.


By considering these factors, investors can make informed decisions and support HealthTech startups that are well-positioned to address health equity challenges and achieve sustainable growth.


The growing demand for equitable and accessible healthcare solutions is creating significant opportunities for investors in the HealthTech sector. Startups focusing on health equity, such as those improving access, affordability, and quality of care, are attracting substantial venture capital funding. However, investing in these startups requires a comprehensive understanding of the unique challenges they face, including navigating regulatory landscapes, building community trust, demonstrating measurable health outcomes, and ensuring scalability. By carefully evaluating these considerations, investors can identify and support HealthTech startups that have the potential to transform healthcare and promote health equity on a broader scale.


Perspectives from Industry Experts and Publications


Insights from the California Health Care Foundation (CHCF)

The California Health Care Foundation (CHCF) is a prominent nonprofit organization dedicated to improving healthcare delivery and outcomes in California. CHCF has emphasized the critical role that technology can play in promoting health equity and reducing healthcare disparities. Their insights provide valuable perspectives for investors and stakeholders interested in supporting HealthTech solutions that address health equity.


Key Findings from CHCF’s Report "Equity in the Age of Digital Health"

CHCF’s report, "Equity in the Age of Digital Health," highlights the transformative potential of digital health tools in improving access, engagement, and health literacy among underserved populations. Key findings from the report include:


  • Access to Care
  • Digital health tools, such as telemedicine and mobile health applications, can bridge the gap for individuals in remote or underserved areas, providing them with access to healthcare services that were previously unavailable.
  • These tools can also facilitate continuous care management, reducing the need for costly and time-consuming in-person visits.


  • Patient Engagement and Health Literacy
  • Digital health solutions can enhance patient engagement by providing personalized health information and reminders, thus encouraging patients to take an active role in their health management.
  • Health literacy can be improved through accessible and easy-to-understand digital content, helping patients better understand their health conditions and treatment options.


  • Potential Risks
  • The report cautions that if digital health solutions are not designed with equity in mind, they could inadvertently exacerbate existing disparities. Issues such as digital literacy, internet access, and affordability must be considered to ensure these tools benefit all populations.


Overview of Rock Health's "Digital Health Equity Report"

Rock Health's "Digital Health Equity Report" delves into the investment landscape and emerging trends in digital health equity. The report provides an in-depth analysis of how HealthTech startups are addressing health disparities and highlights key investment opportunities. Notable insights from the report include:


  • Investment Trends
  • The report notes a significant increase in venture capital funding for digital health equity startups, reflecting growing recognition of the market potential and societal impact of these solutions.
  • Startups focusing on telehealth, remote patient monitoring, and digital therapeutics are particularly attractive to investors due to their ability to deliver scalable and accessible healthcare solutions.
  • Barriers and Challenges
  • Despite the promising investment landscape, the report identifies several barriers that digital health equity startups face, including regulatory hurdles, data privacy concerns, and the need for robust clinical validation.
  • The report emphasizes the importance of addressing these challenges to unlock the full potential of digital health solutions in promoting health equity.


Overview of CB Insights' "Digital Health Equity Startups to Watch"

CB Insights' "Digital Health Equity Startups to Watch" highlights innovative startups that are making significant strides in addressing health disparities through technology. The report identifies key startups that investors should keep an eye on, providing insights into their unique approaches and potential for impact. Key takeaways from the report include:

  • Innovative Approaches
  • The featured startups are leveraging cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, and blockchain to develop solutions that improve healthcare access, affordability, and quality for underserved populations.
  • Examples include platforms that offer culturally competent care, mobile clinics that bring healthcare services directly to communities, and digital health tools designed to improve chronic disease management.


  • Market Potential
  • The report underscores the significant market potential for digital health equity solutions, driven by the increasing demand for inclusive and accessible healthcare.
  • Investors are encouraged to support startups that not only demonstrate strong technological capabilities but also have a clear mission and strategy for addressing health disparities.


Notable Labs: Pioneering HealthTech Innovation in Underserved Communities


Notable Labs leverages cutting-edge HealthTech to bring precision medicine to underserved communities, addressing health disparities and promoting equitable healthcare."

As a shining example of a HealthTech startup dedicated to promoting health equity, Notable Labs stands out for its innovative approach to precision medicine. Founded with the mission to revolutionize cancer treatment, Notable Labs combines advanced genomic data analysis, machine learning algorithms, and personalized drug development to create tailored therapies for individual patients. Their technology is particularly impactful in underserved communities, where access to cutting-edge cancer treatments has historically been limited.


Innovative Approach to Precision Medicine Notable Labs employs a sophisticated platform that analyzes a patient's unique genetic, molecular, and clinical data to predict which therapies are most likely to be effective. By leveraging machine learning, they can provide personalized treatment plans that significantly improve patient outcomes. This approach is crucial in underserved communities where traditional, one-size-fits-all treatments often fall short.


Focus on Underserved Communities Notable Labs is committed to ensuring that their life-saving technologies reach those who need them most. By partnering with community health organizations and leveraging telemedicine, they are able to deliver their innovative precision medicine solutions to underserved urban and rural populations. This focus not only addresses immediate health disparities but also helps to build a foundation for long-term health equity.

Building Trust and Accessibility One of the key challenges in promoting health equity is building trust within underserved communities. Notable Labs actively engages with local healthcare providers and community leaders to ensure that their solutions are culturally sensitive and accessible. Their efforts to provide clear communication and education about their technologies help to build trust and encourage adoption among diverse populations.


Measurable Impact and Outcomes Notable Labs emphasizes the importance of demonstrating measurable improvements in health outcomes. They conduct rigorous clinical trials and collect real-world data to validate the effectiveness of their treatments. This evidence-based approach not only supports their mission to improve patient care but also attracts significant investment from those looking to support impactful HealthTech innovations.


Expanding Market Reach The success of Notable Labs in addressing health disparities through precision medicine highlights the significant market opportunities for HealthTech startups focused on health equity. By continuing to innovate and expand their reach, Notable Labs serves as a model for how technology can be harnessed to promote equitable healthcare solutions across diverse communities.


In summary, Notable Labs exemplifies the convergence of HealthTech and health equity, demonstrating how innovative solutions can address health disparities and promote better health outcomes for underserved populations. Their work underscores the importance of investing in HealthTech startups that prioritize health equity, ultimately contributing to a more inclusive and effective healthcare system.


Strategies for Inclusive and Equitable HealthTech Investment


Prioritizing Community Engagement Engaging with the communities they aim to serve is crucial for HealthTech startups focused on health equity. Co-creating solutions with input from these communities ensures that the technologies developed are culturally sensitive, relevant, and effective. Investors should look for startups that demonstrate a commitment to community engagement by actively involving local healthcare providers, community leaders, and patients in the development process.


Criteria for Evaluating Community Engagement Efforts:

  • Involvement of community stakeholders in product development and testing.
  • Ongoing communication and feedback mechanisms with community members.
  • Evidence of collaboration with local health organizations and community groups.


Evaluate Accessibility and Affordability HealthTech solutions must be accessible and affordable to effectively address health disparities. Startups should have strategies to overcome language barriers, improve digital literacy, and cater to diverse socioeconomic backgrounds. Investors should assess the inclusivity of a startup’s user interface, the availability of multilingual support, and the provision of digital literacy programs.


Consideration of Pricing Models and Overall Affordability:

  • Sliding scale fees or subscription models based on income levels.
  • Partnerships with payers to cover or subsidize costs for low-income patients.
  • Development of cost-effective solutions that maintain high-quality care.


Emphasize Measurable Impact Investors should prioritize startups that have a clear and actionable strategy for measuring the impact of their solutions on health outcomes and cost savings. This includes using robust data collection and analysis methods to demonstrate improvements in patient health, healthcare efficiency, and overall health equity. Startups should be transparent about their metrics and regularly report on their progress.


Evaluating Startups Based on Impact:

  • Use of clinical trials and real-world evidence to validate effectiveness.
  • Regular reporting of key performance indicators related to health outcomes and cost savings.
  • Demonstrated improvements in health equity within the target communities.


Foster Diverse and Inclusive Teams Diversity within startup teams can lead to more innovative and effective solutions by bringing a wide range of perspectives and experiences to the table. Inclusive teams are better equipped to understand and address the unique challenges faced by underserved communities. Investors should encourage startups to prioritize diversity in their hiring practices and leadership structures.


Role of Diversity and Inclusivity within Startup Teams:

  • Evidence of diverse representation in leadership and decision-making roles.
  • Initiatives to foster an inclusive workplace culture.
  • Commitment to equitable hiring practices and professional development opportunities for all employees.


Collaborate with Stakeholders Addressing health equity challenges requires a collaborative effort involving various stakeholders, including healthcare providers, payers, policymakers, and community organizations. Investors should support startups that actively seek partnerships and collaborations to enhance their capabilities and impact. These partnerships can provide critical resources, expertise, and support to help startups scale their solutions and reach more communities.


Leveraging Stakeholder Expertise and Resources

  • Forming strategic partnerships with healthcare providers and payers to ensure broader access and affordability.
  • Engaging policymakers to advocate for supportive regulations and funding opportunities.
  • Collaborating with community organizations to enhance outreach and impact.


By embracing these strategies, investors can effectively support HealthTech startups that are committed to promoting health equity. Investing in inclusive and equitable HealthTech solutions not only drives positive social impact but also opens up significant market opportunities, contributing to the overall growth and innovation in the healthcare industry.


Conclusion


Investing in HealthTech startups that focus on health equity is not only a moral imperative but also a sound financial strategy. The convergence of health technology and health equity presents a significant opportunity to address longstanding disparities in healthcare access and outcomes. By directing capital toward innovative solutions that cater to underserved communities, investors can play a crucial role in driving meaningful change in the healthcare landscape.


Investors have the power to promote and scale innovative solutions that can transform healthcare delivery and improve health outcomes for marginalized populations. Their support can enable HealthTech startups to develop and implement technologies that are accessible, affordable, and effective, thereby bridging the gap in healthcare disparities. Moreover, by fostering diversity and inclusion within startup teams and engaging with community stakeholders, investors can ensure that these solutions are culturally relevant and widely accepted.


To effectively contribute to health equity, investors should adopt comprehensive strategies that prioritize community engagement, assess accessibility and affordability, emphasize measurable impact, foster diverse and inclusive teams, and encourage collaboration with various stakeholders. These strategies not only enhance the potential for successful investments but also ensure that the solutions developed have a lasting positive impact on health equity.


As the healthcare industry continues to evolve, the importance of health equity will only grow. By staying informed about emerging trends, regulatory changes, and technological advancements, investors can identify and support promising HealthTech startups that are poised to lead the next wave of innovation in equitable healthcare. The time is ripe for investors to take an active role in shaping a more inclusive and fair healthcare system, ultimately improving the lives of countless individuals in underserved communities.

A nurse is holding a bottle of pills in her hand.

HealthTech Innovations in Chronic Disease Management

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Discover how HealthTech innovations are transforming chronic disease management. This blog highlights the latest technologies like remote monitoring, AI, and mobile apps, which improve patient care, outcomes, and reduce costs. Explore real-world examples and see how personalized and preventive approaches enhance quality of life for millions.
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Notable Labs Receives FDA Clearance to Proceed Further with Volasertib Phase 2 Study

By Daniel Ferry • July 29, 2024
Notable Labs is a clinical-stage precision oncology company developing new cancer therapies identified by its Predictive Medicine Platform (PMP), today announced progress for the Phase 2 volasertib program following receipt of “Clearance to Proceed” from the FDA and agreement on the dosing plan for its Phase 2 clinical trial. With trial start-up activities launched in the first quarter of this year, Notable intends to initiate enrollment in the Phase 2 study for PMP-enabled development of volasertib for relapsed refractory (R/R) acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in the coming months.
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Notable Labs: Revolutionizing Pediatric Leukemia Treatment

By Syeda Abeer Iqbal • July 29, 2024
Notable Labs is transforming pediatric leukemia treatment with its Predictive Precision Medicines Platform (PPMP), which boasts a 97% predictive precision. This platform rapidly identifies the most effective treatments for individual patients, significantly reducing the time and cost of cancer therapy. Notable Labs focuses on personalized medicine, combining high-throughput screening and machine learning to predict patient responses and tailor treatments accordingly. Their innovative approach has shown promising results in clinical validation studies, offering new hope for improving outcomes in pediatric leukemia.
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Notable Labs' Innovative Approach to Cancer Treatment

By Scott Smith • July 29, 2024
Notable Labs is revolutionizing cancer treatment with its innovative approach to combination therapy, which targets multiple cancer pathways simultaneously. Their Predictive Precision Medicine Platform (PPMP) leverages advanced data analysis and machine learning to identify the most effective drug combinations for individual patients. By using high-throughput screening and bio-simulation, Notable Labs accelerates drug development, reduces costs, and improves clinical trial success rates. This approach promises significant improvements in patient outcomes, particularly for pediatric leukemia, by providing personalized, effective treatments and minimizing side effects.
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Notable Labs Revolutionizing Precision Medicine

By Ayushi Hisaria • July 29, 2024
Notable Labs' cutting-edge diagnostic technology, boasting a 95% prediction accuracy per a Stanford study, is set to revolutionize pediatric leukemia treatment by identifying the most effective therapies. Their mission centers on advancing precision diagnostics to enhance therapy efficacy for young patients. Utilizing high-throughput screening and machine learning, Notable's platform offers tailored treatment plans, significantly improving outcomes for rare and aggressive forms of leukemia. This approach holds promise for personalized medicine, ensuring each child receives optimal, life-saving care.
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How Notable Labs is Revolutionizing Cancer Treatment

By Kathleen Mackay • July 29, 2024
Notable Labs is transforming cancer treatment with its innovative combination therapy approach. By leveraging its Predictive Precision Medicine Platform (PPMP), Notable identifies optimal drug combinations tailored to individual patients. This methodology aims to reduce the development of resistant cancer cells and allows each drug to be used at its best dosage without intolerable side effects. The platform has shown impressive predictive accuracy in clinical trials, particularly for pediatric leukemia. Notable's commitment to precision medicine offers new hope for patients with high unmet medical needs, driving better treatment outcomes and enhancing quality of life.
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Innovative Diagnostics for Pediatric Leukemia: The Notable Labs Advantage

By Fabian Goguta • July 29, 2024
Notable Labs leverages predictive precision medicine to revolutionize cancer treatment, particularly pediatric leukemia. Their Predictive Medicine Platform (PMP) uses advanced technologies like flow cytometry and machine learning to analyze patient-specific cancer cell responses, offering highly accurate predictions for effective treatments. Clinical validation studies have shown a 97% precision in predicting responders. Collaborations with renowned institutions like Texas Children’s Hospital and UCSF further highlight Notable's commitment to improving pediatric oncology outcomes, making personalized, rapid, and effective cancer treatments a reality.
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Precision Medicine in Pediatric Leukemia

By Divya Narasimhan, MSc • July 29, 2024
Precision medicine is revolutionizing pediatric leukemia treatment by offering tailored therapies based on individual genetic profiles. Notable Labs’ predictive precision medicine platform, driven by machine learning, is at the forefront of this transformation. With a 95% accuracy rate, this technology identifies the most effective treatments for rare and aggressive leukemia subtypes, such as pAML and JMML, ensuring better outcomes. This blog explores the advanced technological foundations, life-saving impact, and promising future of Notable Labs' approach in personalized cancer care for children.
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Precision Medicine in Childhood Leukemia

By Dr. David Letsa • July 29, 2024
Notable Labs, founded by Matthew De Silva, emerged from his personal quest to find better treatments for glioblastoma after his father's diagnosis. Partnering with Dr. Thomas Bock, De Silva's vision turned into a biotech startup revolutionizing cancer treatment through its Predictive Precision Medicine Platform (PPMP). The company's leadership team includes industry veterans like Dr. Joseph Wagner, Dr. Glenn Michelson, and Scott McPherson. Headquartered in Foster City, California, Notable Labs collaborates with top hospitals and leverages cutting-edge drug screening technology to deliver personalized cancer therapies, significantly improving patient outcomes.
A microscope is sitting on top of a table in a laboratory.

The Promise of Combination Therapy

By Dr. Anjaney Kothari • July 29, 2024
Given the complexity of the biological mechanisms that underlie cancer, it is prudent to identify and target more than one Achilles’ heel to attack this multifactorial disease. This can be achieved by employing combination therapy, an approach to cancer treatment that combines multiple therapeutic agents to improve patient outcomes. Notable Labs is at the forefront of revolutionary advancements in combination therapy, one noteworthy example being its long-standing collaboration with Syros Pharmaceuticals. For Syros, Notable developed a highly efficient predictive biological test to screen patients for the clinical trial of a combination therapy against non-acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Notable Labs’ innovative approach to combination therapy holds immense promise for significantly improving cancer treatment outcomes despite current limitations in commercial pursuit. This blog dives into the science behind the promise of combination therapy, how Notable is contributing toward the evolution of this technology, and why the company’s Board of Directors is excellently positioned to advance this field in the future. Notable Labs' investigation into combination therapy against cancer is backed by decades of scientific research. Combination therapy holds immense promise in the fight against cancer because of its ability to additively or synergistically target two or more cancer pathways. Due to its multi-target approach, combination therapy is also an effective strategy to overcome anti-cancer drug resistance. By collaborating with Syros in 2017, Notable Labs contributed to the phase II clinical trial of a therapy combining the drugs tamibarotene and azacitidine against non-APL AML. For this multi-arm monotherapy and combination therapy trial, Notable developed a blood-based biomarker test to help predict patient response to treatment. Specifically, Notable was involved in conducting ex vivo experiments on peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) isolated from the blood samples of non-APL AML patients. Harnessing the power of high-throughput flow cytometry, these experiments revealed that a 72-hour ex vivo exposure of PBMCs to tamibarotene upregulates various markers of myeloid cell differentiation, including the RARα pathway target CD38. Importantly, treatments that can promote myeloid cell differentiation are known to be effective against some subtypes of AML. Therefore, by testing a patient’s blood sample using Notable’s ex vivo approach, it is possible to predict whether the patient is likely to respond well to tamibarotene in monotherapy and combination therapy. Indeed, Notable’s ex vivo assay became one of the strategies Syros adopted when screening patients for enrolment in the phase II clinical trial of tamibarotene (alone as well as in combination with azacitidine). Market Challenges Currently, cancer treatment – and thus, the oncology market as a whole – is faced with a three-pronged challenge. There are millions of non-responders who are not benefiting from chemotherapeutic drugs, thousands of compelling drugs that need to be shelved because of perceived non-response, and hundreds of promising candidate drugs that are struggling to navigate the drug development pipeline. Notable Labs is committed to resolving these challenges through its successfully tested predictive precision medicine pipeline, a significant application of which was demonstrated during the Syros clinical trial.  Notable Labs’ commitment is also one of the reasons why it has decided not to commercialize the combination therapy technology immediately. Notable wants to focus on refining the technology further, expanding its applications, and ensuring that it integrates seamlessly into existing healthcare systems. The company aims to develop more sophisticated prediction models and address regulatory and logistical challenges. This approach will help make Notable's technology accessible to a broader patient population, maximizing the life-saving potential of predictive diagnostics as well as combination therapy. Broader Applications The high-throughput nature of Notable’s ex vivo flow-cytometry-based predictive precision medicine pipeline has helped identify many powerful drug combinations to treat other cancers such as juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia. This pipeline also has great potential for identifying effective drug combinations and guiding patient enrolment in clinical trials of combination therapies for other cancers, including solid tumors. In the case of solid tumors, the Notable pipeline’s blood samples for ex vivo testing could be replaced by biopsy samples, circulating tumor cells, pleural effusion, or ascites, among other sampling options. Founding Story Notable’s CEO, Dr. Thomas Bock (MD, MBA), has ensured that the company is well-positioned to transform combination therapy for cancer. For decades, our CEO has worked on multiple dimensions of oncology, including precision medicine, prevention of inherited cancers, and cancer vaccines. At Notable, Dr. Bock combines his medical and business training to accomplish the company’s mission of dramatically improving patient outcomes and the success, speed, and cost of developing new medicines. Strength of the Board of Directors Notable’s esteemed Board of Directors boasts of more than 150 years of combined professional experience in premier life science companies. Our board members excel in medicine (Dr. Bock), pharmacology (Mr. Tuomo Pätsi), business (Dr. Bock), finance (Mr. Michael Rice, Mr. Peter Feinberg, Mr. Thomas Graney), media communications (Ms. Michele Galen), and law (Mr. Thomas Dubin), fostering a vibrant and eclectic environment for Notable to thrive. This diverse team of bona fide giants from the pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors is set to efficiently guide Notable Labs on its path to success in combination therapy and beyond. Conclusion Combination therapy for cancer, aided by predictive methods, could significantly improve patient outcomes while also broadening the population of patients who can benefit from a given drug combination. Leading the charge in this direction, Notable Labs’ predictive precision medicine pipeline boasts of massive potential to not only identify effective drug combinations for combination therapy, but also guide patient enrolment in clinical trials through predictive screening. Moving ahead, Notable’s technology is set to transform the treatment of multiple types of cancer by ensuring positive patient outcomes of personalized combination therapies in shorter times and at lower costs. Additional Data Points AML statistics (American Cancer Society): estimated 20,800 new diagnoses and 11, 220 deaths in the US in 2024. Success stories and collaborations in the field of combination therapy: Notable’s collaboration with Syros to develop a predictive test for patient response to monotherapy and combination therapy. Potential impact on cancer treatment outcomes: Combination therapy, aided by predictive methods, has the potential to enhance patient outcome while also broadening the population of patients who can benefit from a given combination of drugs. Future directions for research and development: AML treatment strategies must pivot towards personalized/precision medicine because of overwhelming heterogeneity of the disease. References Combination therapy in combating cancer . (2017). Oncotarget Notable’s collaboration with Syros . (2017). Notable Labs + Syros Differentiation therapy for myeloid malignancies: beyond cytotoxicity . (2021). Blood Cancer Journal New strategies to treat AML: novel insights into AML survival pathways and combination therapies . (2021). Leukemia Precision oncology using ex vivo technology: a step towards individualised cancer care? . (2022). Expert Reviews in Molecular Medicine Targeting RARA overexpression with tamibarotene, a potent and selective RARα agonist, is a novel approach in AML . (2023). Blood Advances Notable Labs’ JMML data . (2023). Notable Labs Key statistics for acute myeloid leukemia (AML) . (2024). American Cancer Society About the Author Dr. Anjaney Kothari is a scientific writer and researcher with a decade of experience in biomedical research. He completed his Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering from Virginia Tech (USA) in 2019, developing and characterizing holistic in vitro and ex vivo models of hepatic and gastrointestinal toxicity. He has since been working as a freelance writer and researcher for companies operating in diverse niches, including biotechnology and biopharmaceuticals. Disclaimer The content of these blogs reflects the research and opinions of the individual authors and does not necessarily represent the views or positions of Notable Labs or its affiliates. The information provided is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical, legal, or financial advice. Notable Labs makes no representations as to the accuracy, completeness, or validity of any information in these blogs and will not be liable for any errors, omissions, or any losses, injuries, or damages arising from their use. These blogs may reference third-party research, studies, or resources. Notable Labs does not endorse or assume responsibility for the content or practices of these third parties. Any reliance on the information provided is at the reader's own risk. For biotechnology and pharmaceutical content, note that ongoing research and clinical trials may change the context and results discussed. Always refer to the latest research and guidelines from reputable sources.
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