Enea TECH and Biomedical Foundation Invests in Tethis
Enea TECH and Biomedical Foundation are excited to unveil a remarkable €15 million investment aimed at propelling Tethis S.p.A., a pioneering entity in cancer diagnostics based in Milan. This investment is directed towards advancing Tethis' innovative work in developing new diagnostic methods via liquid biopsy.
Transforming Cancer Diagnostics
Tethis is at the forefront of a revolutionary approach in cancer diagnostics, focusing on liquid biopsy technology, which allows for non-invasive blood tests that can detect circulating tumor cells in a patient's bloodstream. This groundbreaking technology leverages an integrated analytical process, combining the See.d® blood sample preparation instrument with SmartBioSurface® slides that are treated using biocompatible nanomaterials, along with artificial intelligence algorithms that identify tumor-derived cellular elements.
Enhancing Early Detection and Monitoring
The platform being developed by Tethis provides a comprehensive way to analyze immune cells and circulating tumor cells, integrating cellular analysis with molecular markers found in plasma. The ultimate goal is to support accurate tumor diagnoses and facilitate effective monitoring of cancer progression during and post treatment, with the hope of enabling early detection of tumors.
The Vision Behind the Investment
Holger Neecke, CEO of Tethis, emphasizes the significance of this investment, stating, "This funding will expedite the development, validation, and commercial preparation of our advanced diagnostic platform. We envision providing oncologists and researchers with extensive cellular and molecular analyses derived from a simple blood draw, ultimately enhancing precision diagnostics and fostering the creation of targeted therapies for personalized care in cancer treatment."
A Call for Innovation in Precision Medicine
Maria Cristina Porta, General Manager of Enea TECH and Biomedical Foundation, echoes this sentiment: "The €15 million investment in Tethis reaffirms Italy’s vital role as a leader in cutting-edge innovation, particularly within precision medicine and advanced diagnostics. Supporting trailblazing solutions like liquid biopsy sets a foundation for a future of faster, more accurate, and less invasive diagnostics for improved quality of life among cancer patients." She further stressed the commitment to creating an innovative ecosystem geared towards significantly enhancing individual health and tackling the intricate challenges faced by society.
Previous Investments in Tethis
This recent funding is part of a larger narrative within the investment journey of Tethis, which has earlier benefitted from financial support through investment entities like Genextra and Indaco Venture Partners. These stakeholders have played a crucial role in developing the Tethis platform leading up to this significant moment.
Advanced Technology Behind SmartBioSurface® Slides
SmartBioSurface® slides represent a leap in technology, treated with biocompatible nanomaterials that enable effective adhesion of non-adherent cells for thorough in-situ analysis of proteins, RNA, and DNA at a single-cell level. These slides facilitate simultaneous and sequential analyses, ensuring cytology sample integrity and enabling AI-based imaging for the detection and characterization of rare cancer and immune cells.
Innovative Blood Sample Preparation with See.d®
See.d® stands out as a cutting-edge automated blood sample preparation tool designed for liquid biopsy applications directly at the collection point, thereby preserving the sample integrity essential for clinical validity. It stabilizes cellular fractions on SmartBioSurface® slides for immune and tumor cell analysis while making plasma available for identifying molecular analytes, including DNA, RNA, proteins, metabolites, and exosomes.
The See.d® instrument and SmartBioSurface® slides are intended for research use only and are not to be utilized for diagnostic procedures.
More Information
For those interested in the latest advancements in liquid biopsy technology and its potential for transforming cancer diagnostics, further information can be explored at www.tethis-lab.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the investment in Tethis?
The investment aims to accelerate the development and commercialization of Tethis' innovative liquid biopsy technology for better cancer diagnostics.
How does liquid biopsy work?
Liquid biopsy is a non-invasive blood test that detects circulating tumor cells and molecular markers associated with cancer, helping in diagnosis and monitoring.
Who are the key figures behind this investment?
Holger Neecke, CEO of Tethis, and Maria Cristina Porta, General Manager of Enea TECH and Biomedical Foundation, are pivotal in driving this initiative.
What technologies are involved in Tethis' platform?
Tethis utilizes See.d® for blood sample preparation and SmartBioSurface® for advanced cellular analysis, incorporating AI for enhanced diagnostics.
Is Tethis' technology ready for clinical use?
Currently, the See.d® instrument and SmartBioSurface® slides are for research purposes only and are not intended for diagnostic applications.
