Based in Arizona, Reference Medicine is redefining how oncology research teams access one of the most critical resources in healthcare innovation: high-quality, clinically annotated human biospecimens. This Phoenix-based biotech company is focused on solving one of the most persistent bottlenecks in cancer research and diagnostics.
How Reference Medicine is Making an Impact:
Our work supports the development of earlier cancer detection tools, more precise diagnostics, and more effective treatments – helping discoveries reach physicians and patients sooner.
Reference Medicine is focused on solving one of the most persistent bottlenecks in cancer
research and diagnostics: reliable access to high-quality, clinically annotated human
biospecimens. Researchers and developers often face delays, inconsistent sample quality, and limited transparency when sourcing specimens – challenges that slow innovation and the development of new diagnostics and therapies.
We address this by building trusted partnerships with hospitals and researchers and providing ethically sourced, pathology-verified specimens supported by robust clinical and molecular quality review. By reducing friction in procurement and ensuring specimens are research-ready, we enable scientists to move faster and more confidently.
The Health Challenge Reference Medicine Is Addressing:
Human biospecimens are foundational to nearly every advance in oncology, from early detection research to targeted therapy validation. Yet sourcing high-quality, well-annotated samples remains one of the most time-consuming and inconsistent aspects of the research process.
For researchers, this means valuable time spent managing procurement logistics instead of driving scientific discovery. For healthcare organizations, it can mean missed opportunities to contribute to research partnerships. For patients, the stakes are highest. Delays in research can translate into slower progress in early detection, precision diagnostics, and life-saving treatments.
By improving how specimens are sourced, validated, and delivered, Reference Medicine removes a critical barrier within the oncology research ecosystem and strengthens the pathway from discovery to patient care.
“Building a purpose-driven biotech company here in Phoenix, alongside incredible partners, patients, and a mission-focused team, has been one of the most meaningful parts of my journey with Reference Medicine. When I launched this company just a few years ago, I never imagined how quickly we’d grow – or how deeply our mission of powering oncology breakthroughs with high-quality biospecimens would resonate. Building Reference Medicine has been one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences of my life. I’m so proud of the work we’re doing to support researchers, diagnostics developers, and therapeutic innovators with the specimens and data they need to make real progress in oncology.”— Inga Rose, Founder and CEO, Reference Medicine
Powered by Arizona’s Bioscience Ecosystem:
Arizona has been a meaningful catalyst in Reference Medicine’s growth and innovation. Located in the heart of Phoenix’s bioscience corridor, the company benefits from a collaborative community of research institutions, healthcare partners, and industry leaders who actively support biotech advancement.
Founder and CEO Inga Rose built Reference Medicine in Phoenix after years of leading biotechnology teams in the region. Arizona’s strong talent pipeline, cost-efficient operating environment, and supportive bioscience network have enabled the company to scale thoughtfully while remaining deeply connected to the local ecosystem.
Through active engagement with AZBio and participation in national forums such as BIO and the Association for Molecular Pathology, Reference Medicine continues to represent and strengthen Arizona’s position in oncology innovation.
Looking Ahead:
The future for Reference Medicine is centered on scaling with intention – balancing rapid growth with operational discipline, financial strength, and a people-first approach designed for long-term impact. Looking ahead, our priority is to continue strengthening the
infrastructure that enables reliable, research-ready biospecimen access at scale. This includes investing in scientific capabilities, data systems, and operational workflows that improve quality, speed, and transparency for researchers and partners. We are also focused on building adaptable, cross-functional teams that can respond quickly to evolving research needs without compromising the
standards that differentiate us.
But, what excites us most is the broader impact ahead. By continuing to remove friction from specimen procurement, we can help accelerate the pace of discovery across oncology – supporting the development of new diagnostics, therapies, and technologies that reach physicians and patients sooner.