10094620A database of biomarkers from underrepresented populations for use in clinical trial developmentClosedInvestment AcceleratorInnovate UKSökerData is a UK-based biotech SME founded by Dr. Elsa Zekeng (CEO), with a PhD in Infectious Disease who has researched biomarker discoveries. Biomarkers are a vital data resource that help predict drug efficacy and disease susceptibility. This data is invaluable for new drug development, predicting adverse reactions and ensuring safe patient outcomes. Examples of common biomarkers include breast cancer genes 1 and 2 (BRCA1 and BRCA2) and prostate-specific antigen. However, information on research for biomarkers collected thus far has predominantly focused on Male and White patients. Biotechnology companies specialising in the early stages of new drug development need information on patient characteristics that encompass the breadth and depth of DNA differences that exist in a population of diverse backgrounds. Operating without such data results in $800M-$1.4B in sunk costs every year as a result of failed clinical trials and directs resources away from solutions that offer greater potential. In the wake of COVID19, it is paramount that biotechnology companies have access to this possibly lifesaving data, in a timely fashion to develop solutions to pressing health concerns. SökerData is developing a first of its kind proprietary database of biomarkers from 10,000 diverse data samples. The use of biomarkers in drug development doubles the drug's success rates. This underscores SökerData's impact in early drug development while increasing drug safety, efficacy and opportunities for new products in underrepresented populations. These efforts will assist in a 30% reduction in R&D costs while facilitating greater equity in clinical research and improving predictions of adverse events. This brings us closer to personalised medicine - dramatically enhancing patient centred care. The use of SökerData will contribute to reducing the cost of failed clinical trials and increase successful commercial clinical research which contributes ~£355 million to the NHS.