Primerdesign and Origin Sciences partner to develop a DNA extraction workflow from rectal mucus to improve early detection of colorectal cancer and GI diseases.

Primerdesign, part of the Novacyt Group, has partnered with Origin Sciences to develop a DNA extraction workflow tailored to rectal mucosal samples, aiming to improve early detection of colorectal cancer and other gastrointestinal diseases.

The collaboration focuses on optimising nucleic acid extraction from rectal mucus, a biospecimen that remains underused despite its potential to provide molecular insights from across the colon. The companies say the workflow is designed to deliver consistent DNA yields from what are typically challenging sample types, supporting downstream diagnostic applications.

Origin Sciences has developed a medical device, OriCol, which enables minimally invasive collection of rectal mucus. Unlike stool or blood samples, rectal mucus contains cells and molecular material shed from the entire colon lining. This may allow earlier detection of disease signals, including colorectal cancer and advanced adenomas, as well as monitoring for recurrence or treatment response.

However, the diagnostic value of such samples depends heavily on the ability to extract high-quality genetic material. Primerdesign’s expertise in nucleic acid extraction and assay development has been applied to create a custom workflow intended to improve the efficiency and reproducibility of DNA recovery from these samples.

Dr Jo Mason, CSO of Novacyt, said: “By unlocking the diagnostic potential of rectal mucus, Origin is helping to transform early detection, disease management, and patient outcomes worldwide.” She added that the performance of testing applications depends on the effectiveness of genetic material recovery, with the collaboration resulting in a workflow designed to “expedite the screening and diagnosis of colorectal cancer and other GI diseases.”

The companies report that the workflow has demonstrated consistent performance and high DNA yields in testing, although no clinical validation data or regulatory timelines were disclosed.

Dr Daniel Wise, CSO of Origin Sciences, said: “Extracting high-quality DNA data from our samples will allow us to detect GI diseases at its earlier stages so we can save lives, save time, and save money.” He added that the system is intended to be scalable and to outperform other commercial extraction methods assessed by the company.

The partnership reflects ongoing efforts to improve non-invasive or minimally invasive diagnostic approaches in gastroenterology, particularly for colorectal cancer, where screening uptake remains a challenge in many regions. Technologies that simplify sample collection while maintaining diagnostic accuracy are likely to play a role in expanding access to testing.