GENOME AND MICROBIOME HIGH-THROUGHPUT GENOTYPIC SCREENING TECHNOLOGY FOR EARLY DETECTION, DIAGNOSIS AND MONITORING OF FRAILTY
FRAILTECH
Expedient: PLEC2022-009352
SABARTECH participates in the FRAILTECH project, an innovative initiative aimed at the early detection, diagnosis, and monitoring of frailty in older adults through the integrated analysis of genomic and microbiome data.
Frailty is an age-associated syndrome characterized by increased vulnerability to adverse health outcomes such as falls, hospitalization, and loss of independence. Its multifactorial nature—combining genetic, microbiological, clinical, and environmental factors—makes early diagnosis challenging using traditional approaches.
FRAILTECH introduces a disruptive approach based on advanced omics technologies, combining high-throughput genotyping (DNA Microarray and Whole Exome Sequencing) with gut microbiome analysis. This strategy will enable the identification of key biomarkers associated with frailty and support the development of personalized predictive tools.
The project includes the development of a Multiscale Frailty Risk Calculator, integrating genetic, microbiome, clinical, and anthropometric data into an accessible and user-friendly tool for healthcare professionals to assess patient risk.
SABARTECH contributes its expertise in genomic analysis, predictive algorithm development, and Artificial Intelligence applied to genetics (AIG), supporting the creation of advanced solutions for personalized medicine and healthy aging.
The main objective of the FRAILTECH project is to develop a novel omics-based technology for the early detection, diagnosis, and monitoring of frailty, enabling the identification of at-risk individuals and facilitating personalized preventive interventions.
This technology will be implemented as a multivariable risk prediction tool integrating genetic, microbiome, and clinical data for use in clinical and primary care settings.
The technical objectives of the project are as follows:
– Objective 1. To generate the first curated database combining clinical, genomic, and metagenomic data for frailty.
– Objective 2. To develop and implement high-precision genotyping technologies combining DNA Microarray (WGA) and Whole Exome Sequencing (WES), creating an integrated dataset (WESArray).
– Objective 3. To develop and validate a multiscale predictive risk algorithm for frailty based on artificial intelligence, integrating genetic, microbiome, and clinical variables.
– Objective 4. To integrate advanced bioinformatics modules for microbiome analysis and identify functional and taxonomic biomarkers associated with frailty.
– Objective 5. To obtain CE/IVD marking for commercialization of the final product within the European Union.
The FRAILTECH project is funded by the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation, the State Research Agency, and the European Union through the NextGenerationEU funds, within the framework of the Recovery, Transformation and Resilience Plan.
This funding is part of the 2022 call for strategic projects under the State Plan for Scientific, Technical and Innovation Research 2021–2023.
The project has received a total funding of €1,113,066.55, supporting its execution over a three-year period and driving the development of innovative solutions for the early detection and prevention of frailty in older adults.
