The startup develops a molecular diagnostic testing technology for the early detection of testicular cancer, utilizing sensitive biological assays that provide reliable results without radiation exposure. This technology enables healthcare providers to diagnose the disease safely and effectively, improving patient outcomes through timely intervention.
Funding
$2.2M raised to dateRaised to date based on public sources. This may differ from the amount the company actually raised and is based only on what is publicly available on the internet.
Founders
Product
Problem
Current methods for detecting testicular cancer, such as serological antibody tests, lack the sensitivity and specificity needed for reliable results, leading to patient uncertainty. Follow-up care often involves significant cytotoxic radiation exposure from CT scans, creating health risks and high costs for patients undergoing frequent monitoring.
Solution
mir|detect GmbH develops and distributes molecular diagnostic tests for the early detection and diagnosis of cancer, specifically focusing on improving the sensitivity and reliability of liquid biopsy tests. Their patented technology quantifies specific nucleic acids released by tumor cells, enabling precise detection from a simple blood sample. The M371-Test, based on this technology, detects tumor-specific microRNA using a minimally invasive blood draw, reducing the need for harmful CT scans in post-treatment monitoring.
Target Audience
The primary audience includes healthcare providers, oncologists, and diagnostic laboratories seeking more accurate and less invasive methods for early testicular cancer detection and monitoring, as well as patients at risk for or previously treated for testicular cancer.
Features
- Utilizes a patented method to enhance the sensitivity of liquid biopsy tests
- Employs Real-Time qPCR (quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction) for nucleic acid detection and quantification
- Features a modified pre-amplification step to increase test sensitivity and reduce variability
- Validated for use with miRNeasy Serum/Plasma Kit (QIAGEN GmbH) and Maxwell RSC miRNA Plasma or Serum Kit (Promega GmbH)
- Compatible with LightCycler® 480 II Real-time PCR Instrument (Roche Diagnostics), QuantStudio™ 5 (Thermo Fisher Scientific), and AriaDx (Agilent Technologies)
- Offers ready-to-use reagents and a streamlined workflow
- Demonstrates high sensitivity (90.1%) and specificity (94%) in primary diagnosis of testicular cancer compared to traditional markers
- Allows for normalization of biomarker levels within 24 hours post-surgery