Qurin Signs USD 2.3M Subcontract in ARPA-H’s Prestigious POSEIDON Cancer Screening Program
- Qurin signed a subcontract with the prime awardee, Owlstone Medical, launching a partnership that also includes MIT, Boston University, Georgia Tech Research Corporation, and Planned Systems International, Inc.
Leiden (Netherlands), October 28, 2025: Qurin, a research and development company specializing in cell(-free) DNA capture from urine and molecular assays for early disease detection, announces a subcontractor agreement worth USD 2.3 million with Owlstone Medical the global leader in Breath Biopsy® for applications in early disease detection and precision medicine. The collaboration is part of the prestigious Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health’s (ARPA-H) Platform Optimizing SynBio for Early Intervention and Detection in Oncology (POSEIDON) program. The POSEIDON program aims to fundamentally change the field of cancer screening by developing first-in-class, over the counter, Multi-Cancer Early Detection (MCED) tests that screen for 30+ cancers at Stage 1 [1], an early and localized phase of cancer.
According to the National Cancer Institute, more than two million new cases of cancer will be diagnosed in the United States in 2025. Currently, there is not a recommended screening test for nearly 60% of diagnosed cancers and current MCED tests can’t accurately identify stage 1 solid tumours, which is critical to effectively diagnosing and treating cancers [2]. Additionally, the majority of cancer screenings require a hospital visit for either blood testing or another laboratory procedure [1]. POSEIDON’s approach aims to overcome both challenges with two technical solutions: synthetic sensors and reporters that enable the detection of 30+ different solid tumours from a single test; and a low-cost, simple-to-operate, at-home cancer screening kit with hardware and software components. [1].
“Qurin’s role in the POSEIDON program is to develop a patient-facing urine collection device along with a corresponding method for synthetic DNA extraction,” explains Marc Peeters, CEO of Qurin. “Our focus on urine-based diagnostics complements Owlstone Medical’s pioneering work in Breath Biopsy for early cancer detection. We look forward to a strong and impactful collaboration”.
“Qurin brings a unique and complementary capability to the POSEIDON program,” said Billy Boyle, Co-founder and CEO of Owlstone Medical. “Their urine-based DNA technology expands the reach of non-invasive diagnostics, aligning perfectly with our mission to detect cancer earlier and more accurately. Together, we’re building a platform that could transform how and where cancer is screened—starting at home.”
About Qurin
Qurin is a research-driven diagnostics company specializing in non-invasive cancer detection through urine-based technologies. Headquartered in Leiden, the Netherlands, Qurin has developed a proprietary DNA extraction method that enables DNA extraction from large urine volumes, collected either at home or in point of care settings. This innovative approach yields high concentrations of DNA, significantly enhancing molecular analysis and increasing the likelihood of detecting signals from shedding primary or metastatic tumours that might otherwise go unnoticed. Beyond oncology, Qurin’s technology opens potential possibilities in areas such as protein and pathogen extraction. The company’s initial proof-of-concept will focus on early detection of bladder cancer, marking a critical step towards transforming cancer diagnostics. For more information, please visit https://www.qurin.com/.
Footnotes
- POSEIDON program: https://arpa-h.gov/explore-funding/programs/poseidon
- ARPA-H’s press release: https://arpa-h.gov/news-and-events/arpa-hs-poseidon-program-kicks-develop-cancer-screening-kits-home-use