Heidelberg, Germany, September 1, 2026 – Heidelberg Epignostix, a leader in AI-powered molecular diagnostics, announced a strategic partnership with the NHS Genomic Medicine Service (GMS) to bring the company’s clinically validated epigenetic classifiers into NHS genomic laboratory services. The collaboration aims to accelerate diagnosis, support more personalised treatment decisions and improve outcomes for all patients across the country.
The partnership supports the UK government’s Life Sciences Sector Plan, a ten-year mission to harness British science and innovation to deliver long-term economic growth and a stronger, prevention-focused NHS. By embedding state-of-the-art epigenetic diagnostics at scale, the partners contribute to the Plan’s pillar of Driving Health Innovation and NHS Reform.
Under a national framework spanning each of the NHS GMS Genomic Laboratory testing services, Heidelberg Epignostix will work closely with the NHS GMS genomic laboratories to deliver epigenetic tumour stratification. The initial rollout focuses on the Heidelberg Epignostix CNS Tumour Methylation Classifier, which distinguishes more than 180 central nervous system tumour subtypes and has been applied to over 180,000 patient samples worldwide, with further classifiers planned for future rollout. The classifiers will be integrated with established and forthcoming laboratory workflows, safeguarding service continuity as pipelines evolve.
Epigenetic profiling has reshaped CNS tumour diagnostics. In paediatric tumours in particular, integrating DNA-methylation classification with histology has been shown to refine the diagnosis in a substantial proportion of newly diagnosed cases, with a number of histologically high-grade tumours found to carry lower-grade molecular signatures. This molecular re-stratification can spare children unnecessary dose-intensive therapy, reducing overtreatment while supporting better outcomes.
Under the agreed framework, Heidelberg Epignostix will provide its tests free of charge for all paediatric patients across England for a three-year period, reflecting the partners’ shared, long-term commitment to equitable access and improved patient care.
“Our mission has always been to ensure that every patient can benefit from the power of epigenetics,” said Dr Helge Lubenow, CEO of Heidelberg Epignostix. “Working with the NHS GMS means our technology can reach patients at unprecedented scale, and our commitment to providing it free of charge for children underlines our dedication to the most vulnerable.”
“Methylation-based classification has transformed how we diagnose brain tumours, and nowhere is the benefit clearer than in children,” said Prof. Dr. Stefan Pfister, Director of the Hopp Children’s Cancer Center Heidelberg (KiTZ) and Head of the Division of Pediatric Neuro-Oncology at the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ). “Making this part of routine NHS practice- free of charge for every child, means more young patients receive a precise diagnosis and, with it, the most appropriate treatment from the outset.”
An accurate diagnosis is the foundation of every treatment decision we make for a child with a brain tumour. Having methylation-based classification readily available across the NHS will help us match children to the right therapy sooner and avoid treatment they do not need.
Professor Darren Hargrave, GOSH Children’s Charity Clinical Professor in Paediatric Neuro-Oncology
Training and technical support will be provided by Heidelberg Epignostix.
Key features of the partnership:
- Framework-wide reach across each of the NHS GMS Genomic Laboratory testing services.
- State-of-the-art molecular diagnostics that integrate with existing and forthcoming laboratory workflows.
- Precise CNS tumour diagnosis to guide treatment decisions and reduce overtreatment.
- Three-year, cost-free access for all paediatric patients, removing financial barriers and supporting equitable care
- A roadmap towards broader tumour coverage, including sarcoma and other tumour entities.
- Alignment with the UK government’s Life Sciences Sector Plan.
Forward-looking statements
This press release may contain forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied. The partners disclaim any obligation to update forward-looking statements, except as required by law.
