Viome and Scripps Initiate AI-Powered At-Home RNA Test for Early Colon Cancer Risk Detection

Viome Life Sciences and Scripps Research have announced a strategic partnership to develop and clinically validate the first at-home RNA-based test designed to detect precancerous colon polyps, a major risk factor for colorectal cancer135.

This initiative addresses the growing problem of rising colorectal cancer rates in younger adults and persistently low screening rates1.

A 1,000-patient clinical study will launch summer 2025 at Scripps Health, enrolling healthy individuals undergoing routine colonoscopy13.

The study will use stool and saliva samples collected before colonoscopy, analyzed via Viome’s AI-driven RNA sequencing platform to compare gene expression between those with and without polyps, creating predictive models for early detection based on both microbial and human RNA signals3.

The test aims to catch molecular signals and biomarkers of pre-cancerous changes years before standard screenings typically do, potentially allowing for non-invasive, at-home risk monitoring and prevention34.

Viome’s existing RNA-based platform—currently FDA-designated for other cancer detection—will be adapted for this purpose, with a focus on sensitivity and specificity validation for clinical reliability3.

Sources:

1. https://www.news-medical.net/news/20250714/Viome-and-Scripps-Research-join-forces-to-develop-at-home-RNA-test-for-colon-cancer-prevention.aspx

3. https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1091020

4. https://firstwordhealthtech.com/story/5981129

5. https://www.genomeweb.com/cancer/viome-scripps-collaborate-develop-home-rna-screening-test-colon-cancer