In the medical industry, few companies can boast such a successful story as Foundation Medicine, one of the leading firms in the field of genetic diagnostics. Its fascinating journey began at the prestigious Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), where a group of talented scientists set out to transform the face of medicine by transferring revolutionary ideas from research laboratories into clinical practice. Today, the company stands as a textbook example of successful innovation commercialization and technology transfer from academia to the economy.
Foundation Medicine was founded in 2010 as a result of a collaboration between MIT scientists: Matthew Meyerson, Levi Garraway, and Todd Golub. From the labs of these gifted researchers emerged the concept of testing 238 DNA mutations on large panels to personalize cancer treatment. Foundation Medicine develops, produces, and markets genomic profiling tests based on next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology for solid tumors, hematologic cancers, and sarcomas. The technology developed by the company enables the identification of unique genetic mutations in cancer cells, which in turn allows for tailoring therapies to the individual needs of the patient.
Services Offered by Foundation Medicine:
- FoundationOne® Genomic Profiling: A comprehensive diagnostic tool that analyzes over 300 cancer-related genes. The resulting data helps doctors tailor therapies to the patient’s specific genetic profile.
- FoundationOne® Liquid Biopsy: An innovative approach that allows the analysis of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) in the patient’s blood. This non-invasive solution enables monitoring of genomic changes without the need for tissue biopsies.
- FoundationCORE™ Biobank: A collection of tumor tissue samples that serves as a valuable resource for research into new cancer therapies and drugs.
Foundation Medicine began as a spin-off with the goal of developing and bringing to market technology originating from academia. To achieve this, securing funding for research and development was essential. Active collaboration with venture capital funds allowed the spin-off to raise $25 million from private investors within the first few months of operation. Soon, the company caught the attention of one of the world’s most influential entrepreneurs and philanthropists—Bill Gates. The partnership with the Microsoft founder not only boosted the company’s prestige but also played a key role in accelerating the development of its technologies. Bill Gates, a strong advocate for technological advancement in medicine, invested significant financial resources in Foundation Medicine.
Another milestone in the company’s development came with the establishment of a strategic partnership with one of the world’s largest pharmaceutical companies. In 2018, Foundation Medicine became an integral part of Roche, a global leader in in vitro diagnostics and personalized healthcare. The acquisition by this pharmaceutical giant opened new opportunities for technological advancement and the exploration of new research areas.
Foundation Medicine plays a crucial role in the global development of personalized oncology. Thanks to precise genetic analysis, doctors gain access to information that enables individualized cancer treatment—enhancing therapeutic effectiveness while minimizing side effects. Actively engaged in research on rare cancers, the company supports diagnostics for patients suffering from lesser-known diseases, offering hope for new therapeutic perspectives. Its compelling origin story as a spin-off from MIT is a vital part of its legacy, rooted in pioneering research at one of the world’s most renowned universities. Today, its innovative approach to genomic analysis is helping transform personalized oncology into a reality.
