Industry: Biomedical Region: Germany Transaction Price: USD 1 million Transaction Method: Equity investment
Introduction to the Project:
The German company, which specializes in molecular biology and cancer diagnosis, is currently developing a rapid and reliable diagnostic test based on epigenetic changes (DNA methylation) that characterize cancer cells. These informative biomarkers are currently validated in two clinical trials for screening and early detection of tonsil and oropharyngeal cancers in postoperative care Settings. Licensing and technical cooperation agreements are being sought from medical partners.
Head and neck cancers, including those of the lips, mouth, larynx, oropharynx (tonsils, soft palate, tongue base), nasopharynx and hypopharynx, account for 830.000 cases and 430.000 deaths per year. Failure to accurately detect head and neck neoplas ms (HNC) and unclear symptoms can lead to a long and unsuccessful search for the disease curriculum. Treatment of HPV+ and HPV- tumors should be differentiated and postoperative care should be improved.
Head and neck tumours are mostly detected late: more than 50% of cases are diagnosed as advanced -> high mortality (550,000 new cancers, more than 300,000 deaths per year).
In addition to the risk factors of tobacco and alcohol, HPV infection leads to a strong increase in HPV-associated oropharyngeal tumors. There ha ve been no major changes in treatment concepts over the past 20 years, but several novel drug candidates are in advanced drug development. More than 50% of patients are at risk of tumor recurrence within two years after surgery.
Characteristics of head and neck cancer cases: Its leading causes: Alcohol abuse and s moking
New leading causes of oropharyngeal cancer: HPV infection, mainly HPV16
Late detection of most cancers → high mortality • Molecular markers for early detection of head and neck cancers include
• Diagnostic imaging
• Endoscopic screening
• biologic screening
• Dental diagnosis
• Other diagnoses
A trend towards molecular diagnosis is emerging due to the choice of concomitant diagnosis and postoperative monitoring. Pa ving the way for screening.
The young German biotech company has validated a set of highly accurate epigenetic marks for detecting head and neck cancer in tissues and is currently building the corresponding saliva test.
Cooperation Mode:
The company is looking for diagnostic suppliers in the cancer field, especially with relevant technical background and marketing ability. Seek licensing and technology cooperation agreements with medical partners, or be interested in joint technology development partnerships.