NanoString Technologies Advances Digital Molecular Barcoding for Oncology Applications in Latest Filing

NanoString is a biopharmaceutical company and a pioneer in the classification of digital molecular barcode technology. NanoString has developed a single-sample device capable of simultaneously analyzing multiple analytes and tissue characteristics. This means that, within a single tube, researchers can study a biological pathway using a multiplexed approach to capture information expressed by molecules such as mRNA, DNA, and proteins.

The application of digital molecular barcode technology is achieved through 3D biological methods. In the company’s flagship product, the NCounter Analysis System can analyze up to 800 distinct barcodes, significantly enhancing research capabilities in barcode technology. In the field of oncology, digital molecular barcode technology is particularly important; NanoString is primarily dedicated to analyzing the complexity of cancer immune responses and advancing the development of predictive biomarkers. In their breast cancer genomic profiling process, developing companion clinical diagnostic methods is a key focus for addressing cancer refractoriness.



At the annual SITC meeting, the PanCancer Pathways Group showcased its newly developed product. Members of the PanCancer Pathways Group and NanoString engaged in on-site discussions regarding cancer treatment modalities and technical approaches, with relevant leaders delivering remarks.

Thomas Obisesan, Medgadget: What motivated you to participate in NanoString’s research activities?

Joseph Beechem: I am a professor who has been engaged in biopharmaceuticals for approximately 11 years. The advancement of science and technology has transformed the landscape of the biopharmaceutical industry. While science plays a pivotal role in the development of biopharmaceuticals, allowing us to leverage the academic environment it fosters, its progression also constrains the expression of individual ideas, severely limiting the application of one’s professional expertise. Therefore, I have decided to venture into broader fields where I can apply my knowledge to create useful technologies.

So, I left academia to join a small biotechnology company in Oregon, USA, which focuses primarily on molecular probe technology. About three and a half years ago, I worked at a larger biotech firm. Although I was performing similar tasks using new technologies, the nature of the work had shifted—a change I barely noticed at the time. I came to realize that the impact of certain innovations cannot be measured solely by sequencing methods. I needed to find another way to clearly demonstrate the critical role of new technologies in biopharmaceutical development.

There are certain endeavors I am reluctant to abandon lightly, yet my actual experimental results have deviated significantly from theoretical data. Consequently, I have been seeking a foundational protein assay technology with broader applicability—one that enables multiplexed analyses within a single tube. Surveying the landscape of scientific advancement, I discovered optical barcoding technology. I realized that this approach would finally allow me to quantify diverse classes of analytes and conduct research using 3D biological models. In light of these personal experiences, I chose to engage in research activities at NanoString Technologies.

Brad Grey: Five years ago, I transitioned from the clinical laboratory industry to join NanoString Technologies. My primary focus was on product development and business laboratory development. I personally established a research and development team aimed at applying this technology in laboratory settings to build a multi-gene cancer detection system. Additionally, NanoString considered the possibility of entering the diagnostic space simultaneously, which led me to join the company.

My greatest personal aspiration is to achieve real-time monitoring of cancer genes through the adoption of a specific technology. Having gained numerous steadfast followers through FDA-related research, we engaged in a wide-ranging yet highly spirited discussion on Merck’s cell-derived cancer testing at the conference. I must acknowledge that this is indeed an ambitious goal. Over the past five years, in addition to building our R&D capabilities for cancer detection systems, we have made various efforts to directly link our cancer monitoring systems with end users.

Louis Welebob: My name is Louis Welebob. I lead the global marketing team at NanoString, which has achieved significant success in the biopharmaceutical sector. My primary focus has been on small-molecule drug development and vaccine R&D in the pharmaceutical industry, with further expansion into technology applications. Prior to joining NanoString, I had extensive experience in the fields of microarray and mass spectrometry research. Since joining NanoString, my professional focus has shifted to the diagnostics sector.

Medgadget: So our goal is to apply actual research findings to the clinical diagnostic process?

Brad Gray: That is correct. Today, we all know that the most prevalent system is one called Flex. In fact, this system was the first diagnostic test approved by the FDA for clinical use, primarily employed in breast cancer screening. Such capabilities are achievable only with products developed by researchers. Therefore, at our cancer center laboratory, we can purchase a system and, through researcher-led investigation and analysis, implement it in a diagnostic setting.

Medgadget: So, what led to the application of this optical barcode technology in specialized tumor treatment platforms?

Brad Gray: Our initial customer base primarily consisted of cancer researchers. In fact, we have secured Prosigna, an FDA-approved breast cancer testing technology, as our third long-term client. We developed and launched this product into the research market some time ago, and it has since been gradually adopted by cancer monitoring centers. This adoption was driven by the lack of organization in cancer biology research, which has led to an excess of biological questions; extracting tissue genes is considered the most critical challenge in the cancer research process.

The development of breast cancer monitoring technology emerged from the challenges associated with formalin fixation. Since formalin is primarily used on cadaveric specimens, integrating it with other technologies has proven difficult. However, the innovation of our approach lies in combining formalin-based methods with breast cancer monitoring. By preserving genetic information, we overcame the limitations of in vivo monitoring at an early stage, thereby enabling effective monitoring of preserved cadaveric tissues.

Therefore, in light of this current trend, we have ultimately made a significant decision concerning the future development of Cancer Treatment Technology Research Co., Ltd. Our technology is not only applicable to cancer research but also capable of diagnosing highly promising conditions. The advancement of cancer research has become our company’s organizational objective. Virtually all of our product development efforts are centered on improving cancer treatment.



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Brad Grey: Joe has been striving to enable the Sprint system at NCounter Hotel to deliver more affordable, high-quality services, so he embedded an independent researcher within the system.

Joe Beechem: The cost of manufacturing this instrument was extremely high. The device, roughly the size of two crates, was redesigned into a box-shaped form factor, transforming it into a micro-card module that can be integrated into other systems. This unified system costs approximately $149,000. Developed through individual research efforts and excluding promotional and administrative expenses, it is relatively affordable.

Brad Grey: This is a significant event, and another major development is what we refer to as the emergence of three-dimensional organisms.



Joe Beechem: As we inevitably confront cancer, there is a strong drive to advance oncology technologies. However, the development of individual technologies alone cannot fully curb the incidence of cancer, as they are not adept at analyzing cross-boundary interactions among biological entities. Such analyses primarily involve proteins and nucleic acids. In practical experimental settings, research can be focused solely on immuno-oncology.

Research in immuno-oncology has become an almost explosive field, advancing with revolutionary speed. Furthermore, we believe that this 3D biology approach is highly suitable for treating immuno-oncological conditions. It requires the ability to extract fragments of information from the DNA, protein, and mRNA levels and integrate them. I believe this is why I favor using the 3D biology approach, whereas the data you see are merely two-dimensional.


Medgadget: Among the technologies NanoString has already applied for, which one is your favorite?

Joe Beechem: If the company’s technologies are integrated, I suppose each of us will have our own favorites.

Brad Grey: It’s like asking you which child is your favorite.

Joe Beechem: You know, I truly appreciate the research methods and approaches of these researchers, with quantitative research serving as the foundation. I greatly admire a researcher named Aviv Regev. Aviv is a woman whose greatest achievement lies in fundamentally understanding how mammalian cells utilize expression mechanisms, as well as how they regulate emotions and contribute to longevity. She has collaborated with us for an extended period.

Brad Grey: What I appreciate most is the stronger application of foundational science. Back in January 2014, researchers had not yet figured out how to effectively establish robust clinical diagnostic assay systems. I mean, they were not just going through the motions. Instead, they integrated our technology into ideal BCL testing practices. They conducted relevant tests using cell-based sources and developed high-quality, high-efficiency products. When we brought these products back, we made no attempt to modify them.

Our technology has enabled researchers to establish personalized diagnostic systems for diagnosing various types of diseases worldwide. Prior to product development, they conducted extremely complex, multi-faceted analytical validations across three different laboratories, demonstrating consistent results. This iterative research process has yielded significant outcomes. This is one of my favorite aspects: the greatness of technology lies in the process of research and exploration.

Louis Welebob: What I appreciate most is that we have not engaged in commercialized marketing for Prosigna. What I observe is that the signature efforts made by others have essentially become synonymous with the Prosigna signature. I see their focus on ensuring the accuracy, reliability, and reproducibility of research data. Since becoming part of the NanoString family, the integrity of Prosigna’s trial data has been significantly strengthened. In the field of breast cancer research, you will never find any other dataset more comprehensive than this. It is the most rigorous dataset you will ever encounter.

Therefore, from my perspective, Prosigna is currently the most scientifically advanced solution available on the market for cancer treatment centers. Oncologists today are leveraging the advantages of this test to improve medical techniques and increase cure rates. The technology developed by Joe has helped numerous breast cancer patients free themselves from the torment of the disease, which is undoubtedly one of the most significant developments in the medical field over the past decade.



Medgadget: How to gain insight into a company’s future product R&D and development direction?

Joe Beechem: This 3D biology approach is the first of its kind that we have encountered in our curriculum. They describe 3D biology technology as a vast “blue ocean,” an uncharted territory that people have never explored before. We are leveraging advanced technologies for exploration and discovery, and you can see numerous biopharmaceutical companies forging collaborations to advance toward truly cutting-edge oncology research and immunotherapy. I believe this is the primary way to fundamentally transform the challenges in cancer treatment and diagnosis; I can hardly believe such profound changes are taking place.

In the past, I believed that we would be the last generation to die from cancer. Your generation or the next may die from other causes, but hopefully not from cancer. Our role is to help accelerate the development of cures for cancer, which is a very exciting field of research because it is closely linked to the future of humanity.

Brad Grey: Most companies are technology companies, but I hope we never make such a statement. Companies should not focus solely on a specific therapeutic area, nor should they rigidly define their mission. Instead, they should leverage all available technologies to achieve breakthroughs in cancer treatment, thereby providing patients with tools to alleviate their suffering.

I believe this is a matter of utmost importance, and as such, we at NanoString are immensely proud. If you were to conduct a survey and ask our employees why they rise early each morning, I am confident that most would attribute it to a sense of responsibility. Even if I were no longer working in the biopharmaceutical industry, I would still retain my personal sense of responsibility and spirit of exploration.

Louis Welebob: The future market demands superior testing technologies. Whether for the detection of individual samples or the verification of data, testing capabilities should be maximally developed to yield not just a single data point, but an entire data landscape. I am confident in the efforts we are currently undertaking. Technological research will only truly accelerate when we begin to fully consider the advantages of 3D biotechnology. This is the current reality we observe: the emergence of new innovations has spawned development across numerous fields, and we are redefining the rules to foster the growth and flourishing of 3D biotechnology.

The company’s future product R&D and development strategy will also advance toward greater technological sophistication and digitalization. The emergence of 3D biotechnology has presented new opportunities for the company’s growth, while also posing numerous challenges. How to effectively respond to these challenges is an issue the company must carefully consider.

Compiled by: Chen Kun

Editor: Zhang Nan