Polo GGB
Polo GGB is an Italian specialty genomics laboratory offering proprietary genetic diagnostic tests, NGS sequencing services, and exclusive Italian distribution of Roche/Foundation Medicine's FoundationOne genomic profiling portfolio, serving physicians, patients via a 150+ pharmacy network, and international malaria gene-drive research consortia.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2011
- HeadquartersSiena, Italy
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B and B2C
- OfferingServices
What Polo GGB does
Polo GGB (Polo d'Innovazione di Genomica, Genetica e Biologia S.R.L.) is an Italian specialty genomics laboratory founded in 2011 and headquartered in Siena, with a secondary research site in Terni. The company operates across four interlocking business lines: clinical diagnostic genetic testing (proprietary tests including SoReal for vulvodynia using Polygenic Risk Score, ENDOme for endometriosis predisposition, BRCA1/BRCA2 analysis, NIPT, and SRY gene testing), next-generation sequencing and bioinformatics services for research clients, exclusive Italian distribution of Roche/Foundation Medicine's FoundationOne CDx/Liquid/Heme comprehensive genomic profiling portfolio, and a research division focused on genetic vector control — specifically gene drive technology for malaria-transmitting mosquitoes — funded primarily by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and DARPA.
The technology stack rests on Illumina NGS platforms (including the FDA-approved MiSeqDx), Ion Torrent sequencers, Parse Biosciences single cell RNA-Seq workflows, and proprietary Polygenic Risk Score and gene variant analysis methodologies, supported by ISO 9001 certification, Italian National Health System accreditation, and CE-IVD compliance under EU Regulation 2017/746. Revenue is generated through per-test fees (EUR 54-195 across consumer-grade tests), enterprise-scale FoundationOne distribution transactions, professional services for pharma and academic clients, and grant funding for vector-control research. Customers span healthcare providers (geneticists, gynecologists, oncologists), a 150+ pharmacy network (Neo Apotek) for direct-to-consumer access, pharmaceutical and biotech research clients, and international research consortia including Target Malaria, Safe Genes, and HEAL Italia.
The go-to-market model is sales-led and event-driven, combining direct physician relationships, participation in scientific congresses (SIGU, Italian Vulvodynia Association, Gordon Research), pharmacy distribution partnerships, and academic collaborations with Imperial College London, University of Oxford, Massachusetts General Hospital, and CDC Atlanta. The May 2026 announced strategic refocus — narrowing activities to microbiome testing, the SoReal vulvodynia test, and Foundation oncology tests — signals an intentional concentration on higher-margin, proprietary offerings over the broader prior diagnostic menu.
Polo GGB firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Polo GGB
- Legal name
- Polo d'Innovazione di Genomica, Genetica e Biologia S.R.L.
- Website
- https://pologgb.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2011
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- Polo GGB is an Italian specialty genomics laboratory offering proprietary genetic diagnostic tests, NGS sequencing services, and exclusive Italian distribution of Roche/Foundation Medicine's FoundationOne genomic profiling portfolio, serving physicians, patients via a 150+ pharmacy network, and international malaria gene-drive research consortia.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Polo GGB industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Genetic Diagnostic Services
- NAICS
- Medical Laboratories (621511)
- SIC
- Services-Medical Laboratories (8071)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Molecular Diagnostics & Genomics Laboratories (HLAFAMAE)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Genetic & Genomic Testing (germline, somatic, carrier, pharmacogenomics) (HLAAALAD), Laboratory-Based Surveillance & Genomic Epidemiology (WGS/NGS) (HLAJABAC), Genetic, Cytogenetic & Prenatal Screening IVD (HLAHAAAI)
Keywords
Where Polo GGB is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Siena
- HQ country
- Italy
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices4 records
Markets served
Polo GGB business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B and B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Technology or R&D, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Supply Chain
Revenue model
- Diagnostic Genetic Testing Services: Direct laboratory diagnostic services providing genetic tests to patients and healthcare providers including BRCA testing, NIPT, SoReal, ENDOme, microbiome analysis, and other molecular diagnostics. Revenue generated from test fees billed to patients, hospitals, and healthcare facilities.
- NGS and Bioinformatics Services: Sequencing services using Illumina platforms and Ion Torrent, including single cell RNA-Seq, 16S metagenomics, and custom bioinformatics analysis for research institutions and pharmaceutical companies.
- FoundationOne Distribution: Authorized Italian distributor of FoundationOne CDx, FoundationOne Liquid, and Foundation Heme services from Roche/Foundation Medicine since February 2020.
- Research Project Funding: Funding from international organizations including Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (Target Malaria), DARPA (Safe Genes), and Italian funding bodies (FISA, HEAL Italia) for research projects in genetics, genomics, and vector control.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | 16S Metagenomics Promotion |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Lactose Intolerance Test |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Celiac Disease Test |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | SRY Gene Test |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels7 records
Polo GGB product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Polo GGB is an SSN-accredited medical genetics and genomics laboratory that delivers advanced genetic diagnostic services, Next-Generation Sequencing, bioinformatics analysis, immunology, and microbiology testing, alongside proprietary predictive genetic tests (SoReal for vulvodynia, ENDOme for endometriosis) and authorized Italian distribution of Roche/Foundation Medicine's FoundationOne genomic profiling tests. The company also conducts gene drive vector control research in collaboration with international partners.
Product overview
Polo GGB (Polo d'Innovazione di Genomica, Genetica e Biologia) is a highly specialized center offering advanced genetic diagnostic and research services. The portfolio includes proprietary genetic tests (SoReal for vulvodynia, ENDOme for endometriosis, BRCA1/BRCA2 analysis, SRY gene test) alongside Next Generation Sequencing services, bioinformatics analysis, immunology, and medical genetics diagnostics. The company distributes FoundationOne genomic profiling tests from Roche/Foundation Medicine and operates research divisions focused on genetic vector control for malaria. Services include single cell RNA-Seq, prenatal testing (NIPT), microbiology, and pharmacogenomics.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- SoReal Genetic test for vulvodynia using Polygenic Risk Score (PRS) technique to evaluate genetic predisposition to vulvodynia symptoms. Non-invasive test that supports diagnostic pathway and guides personalized treatment.
- NIPT (Non-Invasive Prenatal Test) Non-invasive prenatal test for detection of chromosomal alterations and fetal DNA abnormalities related to genetic pathologies.
- BRCA1/BRCA2 Genetic Analysis Analysis of BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes for detection of genetic variants responsible for increased risk of breast and ovarian cancer development.
- ENDOme First predictive genetic test for endometriosis predisposition, evaluating genetic variants within the NPSR1 gene associated with chronic inflammation stages in patients. Validated against a cohort of 100 patients with confirmed endometriosis diagnosis.
- SRY Gene Test Test verifying biological sex through detection of the SRY gene on the Y chromosome. Required by World Athletics for athlete eligibility verification. Non-invasive buccal swab test with results in 5–10 working days; CE-IVD compliant.
- Lactose Intolerance Genetic Test Genetic test detecting C/T polymorphism at position 13910 upstream of the lactase gene (LCT), identifying predisposition to lactose intolerance. Non-invasive buccal swab with results in approximately 10 minutes at pharmacy, priced at EUR 54.00.
- Celiac Disease Genetic Test Genetic test evaluating susceptibility to celiac disease through HLA DQ2 and DQ8 allele typing. Non-invasive buccal swab, report ready within one week at pharmacy, priced at EUR 84.00.
- Genomic Sequencing (NGS) Next-Generation Sequencing services using Illumina (HiSeq 1500, MiSeq, MiSeqDx) and Ion Torrent platforms. Includes single-gene analysis, gene panels, whole exome, and whole genome sequencing for diagnostics and research.
- Bioinformatics Services Bioinformatics analysis services for genomic data, including NGS data processing, variant calling, and interpretation for clinical and research applications. Includes 16S rRNA metagenomics at EUR 195.00 per sample.
- Immunology Services Immunology services including monoclonal antibody production and immunological analysis for research clients.
- FoundationOne CDx / FoundationOne Liquid / Foundation Heme Distribution Authorized Italian distributor (since February 2020) for Roche/Foundation Medicine comprehensive genomic profiling services covering FoundationOne CDx (tissue), FoundationOne Liquid (blood), and Foundation Heme (hematologic malignancies).
- Single Cell RNA-Seq Analysis Single cell RNA sequencing analysis using Parse Biosciences technology with a 'split and pool' approach. Polo GGB is a member of the Parse Biosciences network.
- Medical Genetics Diagnostics Medical genetics diagnostic services covering genetic testing for hereditary conditions, oncogenetics, prenatal genetics, reproductive genetics, pharmacogenomics, and rare diseases.
- Microbiology Diagnostics Microbiology diagnostic services for detection and analysis of microorganisms, including vaginal and fecal microbiome testing.
Quantifiable outcome
- Non-invasive prenatal testing for chromosomal alterations detection
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use Polo GGB
Customer profileNamed customers5 records
Segments3 records
Ideal customer profiles2 records
Polo GGB technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
AI capability6 records
Feature7 records
Polo GGB partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
13 partnerships are on record, tiered minor, core and major.
- Bio4DreamsminorPolo GGB entered the Bio4Dreams network to create synergies and expand reach for developing innovative solutions in scientific research.
- Foundation Medicine / Roche S.p.A.coreSince February 2020, Polo GGB is the authorized Italian distributor of FoundationOne CDx, FoundationOne Liquid, and Foundation Heme services from Roche/Fountain Medicine for comprehensive genomic profiling.
- Imperial College LondoncoreLong-standing strategic partnership in gene drive research for malaria control. Polo GGB collaborates with Imperial College on Target Malaria consortium, Safe Genes DARPA project, and Anti-Drive initiatives. Prof. Andrea Crisanti, a leading researcher from Imperial College, is closely associated with Polo GGB's activities.
- Massachusetts General HospitalmajorCollaboration in mosquito genetics and gene drive research for malaria control as part of international research network.
- University of OxfordmajorAcademic partnership in genetic research and vector control studies as part of international malaria research network.
- CDC AtlantamajorCollaboration with US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in vector-borne disease research and genetic control strategies.
- TropiQ Health Sciences (Netherlands)minorInternational research collaboration in mosquito control and genetic technologies.
- BiocentismajorBiocentis is an Imperial College London spinout and biotechnology startup specializing in genetic pest control. Collaboration on gene drive research and FISA mosquito control project. Supports scientific seminars and researcher training.
- Toscana Life Sciences FoundationcoreHome to Polo GGB's Genomics & Bioinformatics Laboratory within their bio-incubator facility in Siena. Co-organizer of European Biotech Week events.
- Italian Biosafety Platform (IBP)minorNetwork bringing together biosafety and biocontainment professionals, companies, and institutions. Polo GGB participates in annual conferences and contributes to biosafety best practices.
- Neo ApotekmajorPharmacy network partnership with over 150 pharmacies across Italy enabling direct-to-consumer genetic testing for lactose intolerance and celiac disease.
- University of PerugiacoreAcademic partnership for joint research projects, seminars, and student programs. Historical collaboration dating back to founding, involved in tiger mosquito genome sequencing.
- University of PisamajorCoordinator of HEAL Italia SPOKE 8 project in which Polo GGB's SUCCESS project won the cascade call.
Scale indicators5 records
Recent moves7 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Polo GGB competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- Synlab: One of Europe's largest clinical diagnostics chains with extensive medical laboratory and genetic testing services — a broad incumbent offering overlapping capabilities but at significantly greater geographic and operational scale.
- Cerba HealthCare: European clinical diagnostics and specialty laboratory group with strong presence in France, Italy, and Belgium — comparable to Polo GGB's medical genetics and microbiology diagnostics but as part of a much wider portfolio.
- Natera: US-based molecular diagnostics company with strong NIPT and oncology franchises (Signatera, Empower) — comparable to Polo GGB's NIPT and FoundationOne distribution focus but at substantially greater scale and proprietary assay depth.
- Medicover: European healthcare and diagnostics operator with clinical laboratory services across multiple countries — comparable medical laboratory business model but as part of a larger integrated healthcare delivery platform.
- Myriad Genetics: Established genetic testing company known for BRCA1/2 (BRACAnalysis) and other hereditary cancer tests — a direct comparable in oncology genetics and one of the original reference points for the BRCA testing market Polo GGB competes in.
- Macrogen: Korea-headquartered precision medicine and genomics services company offering NGS, bioinformatics, and clinical genetic testing — comparable service mix with international reach across clinical and research segments.
- BGI Genomics: Global genomics service provider offering NGS, NIPT, and genetic testing at scale — overlapping with Polo GGB's sequencing and prenatal testing services, with broader geographic reach and significantly higher throughput.
Direct peers
- Eurofins Genomics: European genomics services provider offering NGS sequencing, bioinformatics, and genetic testing — directly comparable to Polo GGB's core service portfolio but at substantially larger scale across multiple countries.
- Dante Labs: Italy-based personal genomics company offering whole-genome sequencing, NIPT, and direct-to-consumer genetic tests — a direct domestic competitor sharing the Italian market and the same DTC genetic testing positioning.
Emerging players
- Biome Makers: Specialized microbiome analytics company using NGS-based methods for agricultural and human health applications — comparable sequencing and 16S rRNA metagenomics expertise intersecting with Polo GGB's microbiome focus.
Market position
Strengths4 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks7 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Polo GGB social profiles
Digital presencePolo GGB compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance3 records
Polo GGB financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Polo GGB leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles7 records
Polo GGB funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Polo GGB M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Polo GGB
What does Polo GGB do?
Polo GGB is an SSN-accredited medical genetics and genomics laboratory that delivers advanced genetic diagnostic services, Next-Generation Sequencing, bioinformatics analysis, immunology, and microbiology testing, alongside proprietary predictive genetic tests (SoReal for vulvodynia, ENDOme for endometriosis) and authorized Italian distribution of Roche/Foundation Medicine's FoundationOne genomic profiling tests. The company also conducts gene drive vector control research in collaboration with international partners.
Is Polo GGB a public or private company?
Polo GGB is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was Polo GGB founded?
Polo GGB was founded in 2011. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is Polo GGB based?
Polo GGB is headquartered in Siena, Italy, in the Europe region.
How does Polo GGB make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Diagnostic Genetic Testing Services are the primary driver. The others are NGS and Bioinformatics Services, foundationOne Distribution and research Project Funding.
Who are Polo GGB's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are Synlab, Cerba HealthCare, Natera, Medicover, Myriad Genetics, Macrogen and BGI Genomics. Direct peers are Eurofins Genomics and Dante Labs. Biome Makers is listed as an emerging player.
Does Polo GGB have an API?
No public API is recorded for Polo GGB.
What industry is Polo GGB in?
Polo GGB's product category is Genetic Diagnostic Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is HLAFAMAE, Molecular Diagnostics & Genomics Laboratories, with a secondary code of HLAAALAD, Genetic & Genomic Testing (germline, somatic, carrier, pharmacogenomics). Its NAICS code is 621511 and its SIC code is 8071.