<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><ns2:project xmlns:ns1="http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk/gtr/api" xmlns:ns2="http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk/gtr/api/project" xmlns:ns3="http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk/gtr/api/fund" xmlns:ns4="http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk/gtr/api/person" xmlns:ns5="http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk/gtr/api/project/outcome" xmlns:ns6="http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk/gtr/api/organisation" ns1:created="2026-07-08T08:44:08Z" ns1:href="http://gtr.ukri.org/gtr/api/projects/7718AF90-81E1-4087-8176-8A5441C0300B" ns1:id="7718AF90-81E1-4087-8176-8A5441C0300B"><ns1:links><ns1:link ns1:href="http://gtr.ukri.org/gtr/api/persons/ABF6CB4E-A671-4FCA-A925-37543E7AC859" ns1:rel="PM_PER"/><ns1:link ns1:href="http://gtr.ukri.org/gtr/api/organisations/800BBA7A-5118-4B70-A602-160FB617C9E6" ns1:rel="LEAD_ORG"/><ns1:link ns1:href="http://gtr.ukri.org/gtr/api/organisations/800BBA7A-5118-4B70-A602-160FB617C9E6" ns1:rel="PARTICIPANT_ORG"/><ns1:link ns1:end="2024-11-30T00:00:00Z" ns1:href="http://gtr.ukri.org/gtr/api/funds/587F924F-E62C-4B6B-9BC5-C6B683F2248A" ns1:rel="FUND" ns1:start="2023-12-01T00:00:00Z"/></ns1:links><ns2:identifiers><ns2:identifier ns2:type="RCUK">10088393</ns2:identifier></ns2:identifiers><ns2:title>Performance Evaluation of a PCR Test Targeting Novel Leukocyte Biomarkers for Early Detection of Pancreatic Cancer: A Pilot Study</ns2:title><ns2:status>Closed</ns2:status><ns2:grantCategory>Investment Accelerator</ns2:grantCategory><ns2:leadFunder>Innovate UK</ns2:leadFunder><ns2:abstractText>Pancreatic cancer remains a significant health concern with a poor prognosis, largely due to limitations in early diagnostics. Current methods, often dependent on detecting tumour-derived components, offer inadequate sensitivity and specificity. Our project seeks to radically transform this grim landscape by introducing a game-changing diagnostic method that bypasses the limitations of traditional tumour-focused approaches.

By developing a specialized PCR test that targets unique biomarkers in blood components distinct from tumour-derived elements, we aim to improve early detection of pancreatic cancer significantly. Our Minimum Viable Product (MVP) is a reagent kit designed for this specialized PCR test. Developed in partnership with a leading biotechnology manufacturer, the kit is ready for extensive validation through a large-scale clinical trial with over 1,000 participants. For this critical phase, we have partnered with an esteemed cancer hospital known for its rigorous research and development standards.

The pilot study serves as a critical springboard, setting the stage for securing regulatory approvals and strategic market collaborations both domestically and internationally. With high scalability potential, we envision our technology evolving into a foundational tool for early intervention in not only pancreatic cancer but potentially other types of cancers and diseases as well, thereby improving continuous patient care.

By cohesively bringing together the project aim and subsequent milestones, we are confident that our diagnostic method will revolutionise the early detection tool and positively impact patient outcomes in the long term.</ns2:abstractText></ns2:project>