India Pharma Outlook Team | Tuesday, 07 July 2026
Reliance has taken another step in healthcare innovation after its subsidiary Strand Life Sciences secured an Indian patent for a blood-based test designed for early cancer detection.
The patented technology uses cell-free DNA and DNA methylation analysis to identify cancer-related changes from a simple blood sample.
The latest patent strengthens the company's position in precision diagnostics and could help improve access to non-invasive cancer screening in the future.
The early cancer detection technology is built on a liquid biopsy platform that analyzes DNA fragments circulating in the bloodstream. Instead of relying on tissue samples, the test looks for methylation patterns linked to different types of cancer. The patent marks an important milestone for Reliance as it expands its presence in advanced genomics and molecular diagnostics.
The newly granted patent covers Strand Life Sciences' proprietary platform for detecting cancer through a blood sample. The technology focuses on DNA fragments released into the bloodstream by cells, known as cell-free DNA.
By studying methylation patterns on these DNA fragments, scientists can identify signals associated with cancer, even at an early stage. Since the process only requires a blood sample, it is considered a less invasive alternative to traditional tissue biopsies.
Some key highlights of the technology include:
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The patented technology forms the foundation of CancerSpot, Strand Life Sciences' multi-cancer early detection test introduced in 2024. The test combines genome sequencing with methylation analysis to detect tumor-derived DNA fragments present in the blood.
CancerSpot is designed to identify cancer-associated molecular signatures before symptoms become noticeable, allowing doctors to investigate potential cases earlier. While the test is intended to support screening, positive findings still require clinical evaluation and confirmatory diagnostic procedures.
The patent also expands Strand Life Sciences' intellectual property portfolio, providing protection for its proprietary methods and supporting future commercialization of the technology in India.
"Early detection is an increasingly relevant topic as cancer is becoming one of India's greatest public health challenges," said Ramesh Hariharan, CEO, Strand Life Sciences.
Cancer remains one of the leading causes of death worldwide, and delayed diagnosis often reduces treatment options. Blood-based screening technologies have emerged as a promising area of research because they can detect cancer-related biomarkers without invasive procedures.
With this patent, Reliance strengthens its focus on genomics-driven healthcare while contributing to the growing field of liquid biopsy diagnostics. The technology has the potential to make cancer screening more convenient and encourage people to undergo testing at earlier stages, when treatment outcomes are generally better.
Although the innovation represents significant progress, experts note that blood-based cancer detection tests are designed to complement existing diagnostic methods rather than replace them. Confirmatory imaging, clinical assessment, and tissue biopsy remain essential before a cancer diagnosis can be established.
The latest patent highlights India's growing capabilities in biotechnology innovation and reinforces Strand Life Sciences' efforts to develop advanced diagnostic solutions aimed at improving early detection and patient care.
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