Calgary's Syantra Inc. to Unveil Breakthrough Breast Cancer Research at Global Symposium
Calgary Innovators Take Global Stage
Calgary's vibrant life sciences sector is poised for international recognition as Syantra Inc., a local precision biotechnology company, prepares to showcase its groundbreaking research at the San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium (SABCS) 2025, taking place from December 9–12 in San Antonio, Texas.
Pioneering Blood-Based Diagnostics
Syantra will present findings on "Breast cancer drives detectable reprogramming in white blood cells and platelets" during a poster session on December 11. This pivotal research, spearheaded by Principal Scientist Olesya Kharenko, Ph.D., and Chief Scientific Officer Kristina Rinker, Ph.D. (also a Professor at the University of Calgary), details how breast cancer alters gene expression in circulating blood cells. This discovery, emerging from their International Identify Breast Cancer (IDBC) study (NCT04495244), is vital for earlier, non-invasive detection and the validation of their novel blood-based test, Syantra DX Breast Cancer.
From Lab to Commercialization
CEO Rob Lozuk emphasized the significance of this external validation as Syantra approaches the anticipated 2026 commercialization of its first product, Onco-ID Breast. Dr. Rinker will further engage with the global community on December 12, presenting at the Alamo Breast Cancer Foundation Educational Panel. Her participation will highlight how blood-based diagnostics are revolutionizing early detection, transforming the way clinicians identify and treat breast cancer before it progresses.
Calgary's Growing Life Sciences Hub
Syantra's advancements exemplify Calgary's strategic pivot towards a diversified economy, with life sciences identified as a key growth sector by Calgary Economic Development and the Alberta Technology and Innovation Strategy. The University of Calgary's Life Sciences Innovation Hub (LSIH), bolstered by an $8.5 million commitment from the Opportunity Calgary Investment Fund (OCIF), provides fertile ground for such innovation. Companies like Syantra are not only advancing global health but also significantly contributing to the province's GDP, projected to reach $4.7 billion in 2024 from the sector, while creating high-tech jobs and attracting skilled talent to the region. Syantra’s work reinforces Calgary’s reputation as a burgeoning hub for cutting-edge medical innovation.
