Orbit Genomics is a precision medicine company focused on preventing chronic diseases, including cancer, heart disease, and neurological conditions.

For founder Dede Willis, the company’s mission is deeply personal. She lost her father to non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma at age 65, despite his healthy lifestyle and a family history with a low cancer risk. Meanwhile, her uncle, who smoked, drank heavily, and survived radiation exposure in Hiroshima, lived to 87 without ever developing cancer.

“While we say that cancer is caused by a combination of genetics and environmental factors, in my family, it doesn’t explain it,” Willis shared. “We’re missing something. And so, Orbit Genomics leads. We found that missing piece.”

The Innovation: A Blood Test That Could Replace Biopsies

Orbit Genomics’ flagship product is a non-invasive blood test designed for early cancer detection. Their initial focus is lung cancer, the world’s deadliest form of cancer.

“Our blood test demonstrated higher accuracy than biopsies in clinical samples from patients with early-stage lung cancer,” Willis explained.

This breakthrough could offer patients earlier, safer, and more precise diagnoses. It may also reduce the need for painful or invasive procedures like biopsies.

MassChallenge Impact

Willis joined MassChallenge to gain support in scaling, reimbursement strategy, and refining her startup’s messaging.

“MassChallenge has been fantastic. In just the two days I’ve been here, I’ve already seen incredible value. There are people who can help me, and hopefully some I can help in return.”

She emphasized the strength of the community:

“One of the speakers said being a CEO is the toughest job there is. Having people you can call when you’re down or when you want to share a win is invaluable. Being part of this broader network has been tremendous.”

Through the program, she’s also gaining access to a network of advisors, potential investors, and peer founders who understand the unique challenges of growing an early-stage biotech company.

Looking Ahead: A New Era for Complex Disease Diagnosis

Willis is optimistic about what’s next.

“I’m excited about the future of our company because the evidence is there. We’ve demonstrated it in clinical samples. It’s real data, and we’re now preparing to launch our studies. This could be a breakthrough not just in cancer, but in all complex diseases.”

Reflecting on her decision to apply, Willis added:

“I wasn’t sure if I wanted to apply, because I had just completed the CancerX program, which was phenomenal. But this, as an add-on, has been tremendous. I’m really happy we applied and were accepted.”

Why This Matters

Orbit Genomics exemplifies the type of startup MassChallenge is proud to support. It is mission-driven, scientifically validated, and committed to improving human health at scale. With a clear path to commercialization and support from the MassChallenge ecosystem, Orbit is poised to make a measurable impact in the fight against cancer and beyond.