MADRID, Oct. 12, 2025 — A groundbreaking, non-invasive urine test could revolutionize bladder cancer diagnosis and treatment by providing personalized insights and eliminating the need for uncomfortable procedures.
A new startup, Danae Urogenomics, is set to bring this innovative technology, known as Bladimir, from the lab to clinical practice. Developed through years of public research at the Public Hospital October 12 of the Community of Madrid and the Center for Energy, Environmental and Technological Research (Ciemat), Bladimir promises a more precise, less invasive, and highly personalized approach to managing bladder cancer.
Bladimir offers a simpler path for bladder cancer detection.
Researchers have successfully developed a biotechnological company to advance this diagnostic system. Bladimir analyzes tiny RNA molecules in urine, released by tumor cells, offering a clear window into the disease’s presence and potential progression. This liquid biopsy technique not only detects bladder cancer earlier and more accurately than traditional methods but also predicts patient response to BCG immunotherapy, a standard treatment for early-stage bladder cancer.
Dr. Marta Dueñas, a leader on the project from the Molecular Biology Unit of the Ciemat-Foundation of Research Hospital 12 of October, emphasized the significance of this development. “Bladimir is the result of consolidated public investigation,” she explained. “Its real implementation in clinical practice requires capacities and structures that go beyond the academic or researcher.” Danae Urogenomics aims to be that crucial bridge, transforming research into a usable, certified, and sustainable clinical tool that benefits both patients and the healthcare system.
The startup plans to refine and adapt the Bladimir system, including its advanced version, Bladimirplus, for standardized clinical use. This involves rigorous certification processes for hospital laboratories. Collaborations with leading hospitals in Spain and internationally will facilitate clinical trials and multicentric studies, ensuring Bladimir’s effectiveness across diverse clinical settings. The goal is to create ready-to-use diagnostic kits that seamlessly integrate into the daily workflows of urology and oncology departments.
Through partnerships with hospitals and clinical labs, Bladimir will be used for both diagnosis and monitoring. Bladimirplus will specifically aid in tailoring treatment for patients meeting clinical criteria. “The objective,” Dr. Dueñas stated, “is to increase the number of those who can access a more personalized and efficient monitoring of their illness.” This move away from painful procedures like cystoscopy signifies a major leap toward more patient-centric cancer care, potentially avoiding unnecessary therapies and improving outcomes.
The project, born from extensive research at the Research Foundation of the Hospital 12 de Octubre and El Ciemat, is spearheaded by a multidisciplinary team of seasoned molecular oncology scientists, including Marta Dueñas, Cristian Suárez, Félix Guerrero, Daniel Castellano, Jesús Paramio, Carolina Rubio, and María López.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- What is Bladimir? Bladimir is a non-invasive molecular analysis system that uses a urine sample to diagnose bladder cancer and predict treatment evolution.
- How does Bladimir work? It identifies small RNA molecules in urine produced by tumor cells, utilizing a liquid biopsy technique.
- What are the benefits of Bladimir? It allows for earlier, more precise, and less invasive detection compared to conventional methods like cystoscopy. It can also predict patient response to BCG immunotherapy.
- Who is behind Bladimir? The technology was developed by researchers from the Public Hospital October 12 of the Community of Madrid and the Center for Energy, Environmental and Technological Research (Ciemat), and is being commercialized by the startup Danae Urogenomics.
- What is the goal of Danae Urogenomics? The startup aims to bridge the gap between biomedical research and clinical practice by developing, validating, and marketing diagnostic tools like Bladimir for widespread clinical use.
