Urine-based liquid biopsy diagnostics

Qurin is building an end-to-end platform for urine-based oncology diagnostics, integrating biomarker extraction technologies with clinically actionable assays.

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The potential of urine as liquid biopsy sample

Liquid biopsies offer a dynamic and minimal invasive window into cancer biology. While tissue biopsies provide a localized snapshot of a tumour, liquid biopsies can offer a broader and more dynamic view of the disease over time. This creates opportunities for early cancer detection, assessment of cancer treatment response, and surveillance for cancer recurrence.

Urine is particularly attractive as liquid biopsy medium because it can be collected noninvasively, repeatedly, and even at home without the involvement of a healthcare professional. Its availability also supports serial sampling and the potential for multiomics (combined analysis of multiple biological data types such as DNA, RNA, proteins and metabolites).

Importantly, its potential may extend beyond cancer of the urogenital tract: small fragments of circulating cell-free DNA, including tumour-derived DNA, can cross the renal filtration barrier and enter the urine. This transrenal DNA could provide molecular information about cancers elsewhere in the body.

Jordaens et al, IJC, 2023

Our comprehensive approach

We have established two complementary R&D programs designed to unlock the diagnostic potential of urine.

1. Qatra Program: capturing biomarkers from urine
Detecting cancer and monitoring treatment response depend on the reliable recovery of biomarkers such as DNA, RNA and proteins. Through the Qatra Program, we develop technologies that efficiently capture and extract these biomarkers, even when present at very low concentrations, from a full void of urine, without limiting collection to first-morning or midstream samples. The products resulting from this program, are designed for full automation processing and delivers high yields of high-quality biomarkers suitable for downstream molecular analysis.

2. Qumbra Program: clinically actionable assays
The Qumbra Program translates the biological signals, extracted from urine, into clinically meaningful insights in the field of oncology. Starting with a clearly defined unmet medical need, we develop assays that analyse selected urinary biomarkers and use interpretive software to assess the results. The findings are presented in a clear clinical report, providing healthcare professionals and patients with additional information to support decisions along the care pathway.

Unlocking the full potential of urine-based liquid biopsies

Urine-derived biomarkers to transform oncology care
We are building a modular, end-to-end platform designed to translate the molecular information in urine into clinically meaningful insights. For each clinical application, the platform brings together fit-for-purpose biomarker extraction technology, a targeted clinical assay, and convenient at-home urine collection. This integrated approach aims to make oncology diagnostics more user-friendly and enable testing at multiple stages of care: from early detection to treatment monitoring and recurrence surveillance.

Turning our vision into clinical impact
Our in-house R&D currently focuses on detecting primary bladder cancer in patients presenting with haematuria and lower urinary tract symptoms. Within this clinical setting, the Qatra Program is developing a method to extract genomic DNA from urine. Building on this foundation, the Qumbra Program identifies biologically relevant genomic signals and uses them to develop an algorithm that estimates a patient’s likelihood of having bladder cancer. As (our) science progresses, we intend to expand the platform with new extraction technologies and clinical assays, unlocking an increasingly comprehensive view of cancer through urine.

Partnerships

We are actively seeking partnerships that can accelerate innovation in urine-based diagnostics. If you are developing complementary patented or patentable technologies for urinary biomarker extraction or diagnostic applications and are looking for a development partners, we would welcome the opportunity to connect. We are equally interested in exploring how our technologies and product could enhance or complement your own. Please click here to start a conversation.

Ready to join our journey?

We are always interested in meeting talented, driven people who share our ambition to unlock the potential of urine-based diagnostics across the oncology care pathway.

If you believe your expertise could contribute to our work, we invite you to submit an open application. Send your CV and cover letter to recruitment[at]qurin[dot]com, outlining your experience, interests, and the impact you hope to make.

For future opportunities, follow Qurin on Linkedin. We review every application carefully and will contact you when an opportunity matches your expertise and aspirations.

Latest news

Qurin Signs USD 2.3M Subcontract in ARPA-H’s Prestigious POSEIDON Cancer Screening Program

28/10/2025

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 […]

Board members

Marc Peeters

As the former CEO of Antwerp University Hospital and a specialist in gastrointestinal oncology, Marc Peeters brings extensive clinical and executive experience to Qurin. With both an MD and PhD, he led the hospital’s Oncology Department until 2021 and served as CEO through the end of 2024. His long-standing involvement with Qurin, initially as chair of the one-tier board and now in a more operational role, reflects his deep commitment to advancing non-invasive cancer diagnostics through urine-based screening technologies.

Otto Paul Brand

Mr. Brand has spent over three decades in the finance sector, leading Brand Boekhouders from 2017. His experience spans accounting for local businesses to bespoke services for international corporations.

Roderik Kraaijenhagen

As Dutch cardiologist and healthcare entrepreneur with a PhD in vascular medicine from Amsterdam University Medical Center (AUMC), Roderik Kraaijenhagen combines clinical expertise with entrepreneurship in preventive healthcare and digital innovation. His work focuses on early diagnostics, prevention, longevity and empowering patients through self-management, using advanced technologies and personalized approaches.

Gijs Lipsch

Gijs Lipsch is a seasoned investment management professional based in Amsterdam, Netherlands, with over 30 years of experience in the financial sector. He holds leadership and partner roles at several organizations, including Wealth Management Partners NV (WMP), where he serves as an Asset Manager and Partner, advising families, foundations, and associations on asset management with a focus on private equity. Lipsch has previously held senior positions at top institutions such as Merrill Lynch and IBS Capital Management, where he worked in investment management and advisory roles. He is also actively involved in several non-profit activities, serving as a board member (Bestuurslid) for organizations like Stichting Romo Foundation and Stichting Bob Pinedo Cancer Care Award.

Board advisors

Piet Schalkwijk

Has vast experience in change management, conflict management (mediation), international business structures, and intellectual property. He offers comprehensive advice on governance issues, organizational change, intellectual property matters and strategic decision-making.”

Evert-Jan Zondag

Evert-Jan has built a long-standing career in the financial sector since starting at ABN Amro in 1995. Since then, he has worked at the Royal Bank of Scotland Group in structured finance and at Deutsche Bank as a Managing Director in Hong Kong. He is currently a director at Romo Invest, the family office of the Onderdijk family, where he is responsible for all investments. In addition, Evert-Jan is involved with the Romo Foundation.