Pear Bio
Pear Bio analyzes patient tumor samples and data with a proprietary computational biology platform to deconvolute complex cancer biology and drive patient-centric functional precision medicine and drug discovery.Our ultimate goal is to optimally allocate approved treatments to cancer patients who will benefit from them, while creating novel therapies that are purpose-designed for patients who don't respond to available treatments.The platform uses microphysiological systems and 3D computer vision to measure cancer progression over time. Pear Bio cultures patient tumor samples with matched blood into 3D immune-microtumors to test potential treatment options and combinations ex vivo. A proprietary computer vision/DL pipeline finds image-based spatial biomarkers in time-course 3D microscopy data of patient 3D immune-microtumors. Each treatment option is compared using these image biomarkers to predict which treatments have high potential efficacy for each patient. Patient data and excess tissue/blood feed into a multi-omics pipeline, which allows us to find novel druggable targets in patients who don't respond to approved therapies. These targets are then developed into our in-house drug discovery pipeline, which eventually feeds back into clinical care through our predictive biomarker platform.
Company Overview
Pear Bio is a privately held biotechnology research company founded in 2017, with a team size of 40 employees. The company operates from its headquarters in London, GB, and has a location in Boston, Massachusetts, US. Pear Bio focuses on patient-centered cancer precision medicine, specializing in oncology and artificial intelligence. The company is classified as a small business and is dedicated to advancing cancer treatment through innovative research and technology.
Services Offered
Pear Bio provides personalized cancer treatment options and precision trials. The company conducts clinical trials, including PEAR-TNBC, PEAR-TREE, PEAR-TREE2, PEAR-GLIO, and PEAR-MET. It offers tools that assist pharmaceutical companies in developing new therapies and analyzes tumor samples to identify promising targets for new anti-cancer treatments. The company also validates drug efficacy on fully-human models before initiating first-in-human trials.
Research and Technology
Pear Bio utilizes advanced technologies such as microphysiological systems and 3D computer vision to measure cancer progression over time. The company employs a proprietary computer vision and deep learning pipeline to identify image-based spatial biomarkers in time-course 3D microscopy data of patient-derived 3D immune-microtumors. Additionally, it operates a multi-omics pipeline to discover novel druggable targets in patients who do not respond to approved therapies.
Clinical Validation and Studies
The company is currently in the early feasibility phase of gathering clinical validation for its devices, which are designated for research use only. Pear Bio runs observational studies to establish the accuracy of its tests in predicting treatment responses. It cultures patient tumor samples alongside matched blood to create 3D immune-microtumors for ex vivo testing of potential treatment options and combinations.
Immuno-Oncology Capabilities
Pear Bio has integrated immuno-oncology capabilities into its precision medicine platform. The company uses microfluidic chips to model cancer progression, including metastasis, in real time. Its immuno-oncology models incorporate matched peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from cancer patients, allowing for the observation of immunotherapy effects. This approach enhances the company's ability to develop targeted cancer treatments.