Based in Phoenix, Arizona, TGen’s mission is to translate research discoveries into improved diagnostics and therapies, shortening the path from scientific discovery to improved patient outcomes.
What Health or Scientific Challenge Is TGen Focused on Addressing?
TGen’s mission is to translate research discoveries into improved diagnostics and therapies. In cancer research, the institute emphasizes identifying biomarkers, drug targets, and personalized treatment strategies. Being part of City of Hope®, one of the largest and most advanced cancer research and treatment organizations in the United States with a national footprint of cancer centers, provides TGen a unique national platform to advance its cancer discoveries.
TGen’s neurological programs investigate cognitive decline and brain diseases through large-scale initiatives such as MindCrowd. At TGen North, scientists study pathogens and the human microbiome to understand how microbes influence health, while rare-disease teams use whole-genome sequencing and other advanced tools to diagnose and treat pediatric conditions. By centering its work on genomics and clinical translation, TGen aims to shorten the path from scientific discovery to improved patient outcomes.
How Significant Is This Challenge?
The diseases TGen studies are among the most prevalent in the U.S. The genomic insights provided by TGen’s research drive earlier and faster detection efforts, the development of more precise treatment strategies, and improved outcomes. Examples include TGen’s ALTseq™ rapid whole genome sequencing (WGS) test for acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and JAYseq™, a whole-genome test formultiple myeloma. Both tests consolidate multiple analyses into a single test with results returned in days instead of weeks, giving patients and clinicians faster, more actionable insights. Being part of City of Hope helps move these genomic advances into the clinic for the benefit of patients.
How Is TGen’s Work Making a Meaningful Impact on Patient Lives?
TGen discoveries lead to tests for earlier detection and new or improved therapeutics, which ultimately leads to improved patient outcomes. As part of City of Hope, TGen’s work helps transform the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of cancer and other life-threatening diseases, which means patients benefit from new therapies sooner, especially in areas like bone-marrow transplantation, hematologic cancers, and precision oncology.
How Has Being Based in Arizona Supported TGen’s Research, Collaboration, or Growth?
Arizona was fundamental to TGen’s founding and continues to support its growth and scientific momentum: it built the conditions that made TGen possible, and continues to amplify its research, partnerships, and economic impact. TGen has been described as the state’s “first big win” in bioscience development and catalyzed the growth of Arizona’s bioscience sector. It was a true public-private partnership. In addition to state leadership, it also included the City of Phoenix, all 3 state universities, major philanthropic organizations like the Flinn Foundation, Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust, and the Ben and Catherine Ivy Foundation, businesses and leading individual philanthropists and business executives. In 2002, the Flinn Foundation launched the Bioscience Roadmap, to identify gaps and define strategies to accelerate development of Arizona’s bioscience ecosystem. Since then, state and local decision makers have used the document to guide the sector’s growth throughout the state.
What Does the Future Look Like for TGen?
As part of City of Hope, TGen’s research continues to position it as a leading precision medicine institute with a focus on faster, scalable, and accessible diagnostics and treatments for patients in need. These efforts strengthen TGen’s leadership in cancer, accelerate breakthroughs, and continue to drive economic returns to the state. Their location on the Phoenix Bioscience Core provides a unique, energetic environment that attracts biotech and related companies to Phoenix and Arizona through business opportunities in R&D, collaboration, partnering, and expansion. The efforts of groups such as AZBio also add to the chorus of support the biosciences receive across all corners of the state.
About the Author
Ava Woods is the Marketing & Communications Intern at AZBio, supporting digital communications, content creation, and member engagement initiatives. In her role, Ava assists with social media management, marketing campaigns, event promotion, and storytelling efforts that highlight Arizona’s growing bioscience community. Connect with Ava
About AZBio Member Spotlights
AZBio Member Spotlights are just one of the ways AZBio is building awareness of the health innovations being developed and delivered across the state of Arizona. Telling Arizona’s Bioscience Story is a key goal of Arizona’s Bioscience Roadmap, the nation’s longest-running statewide strategic plan designed to build a robust bioscience sector. Share and enjoy!