Start-up miRdetect receives seed financing
Consortium invests seven-digit amount in serum marker for testicular cancer detection
Together with BBM and a private investor, High-Tech Gründerfonds (HTGF) is investing a seven-figure sum in the start-up company miRdetect located in Bremen, and founded in 2016. The company founders Meike Spiekermann and Dr. Nina Winter were able to convince the investors with their novel and accurate method for diagnosing testicular cancer.
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The innovative procedure developed by Meike Spiekermann and Dr. Nina Winter is used to detect testicular cancer with a novel blood test. Testicular cancer is currently the most common malignant disease in men between the ages of 20 and 45. Most excitingly, the method can also be applied for the diagnosis of other types of cancer if the correct, corresponding marker is identified.
Since 2011, Meike Spiekermann and Dr. Nina Winter have been working on the new tumor marker at the University of Bremen. From very early on, the two biologists recognised the high potential and applicability of their new discovery: “Previous markers have an accuracy of about 50 percent. With the patented diagnostic method developed by us, we can guarantee an accuracy between 90 to 95 percent,” explains Dr. Nina Winter. In order to optimize further product development, miRdetect also relies on the expertise of urologist Prof. Klaus-Peter Dieckmann, and human geneticist Dr. Gazanfer Belge, who are also both co-founders of the company.
“The excellent data on a very broad patient base are very convincing. The positive feedback from physicians from all over Europe also shows the benefits of an optimized diagnosis both for the therapy decision and for the patient,” said Senior Investment Manager Dr. Lena Krzyzak explaining the HTGF’s commitment.
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Topic world Diagnostics
Diagnostics is at the heart of modern medicine and forms a crucial interface between research and patient care in the biotech and pharmaceutical industries. It not only enables early detection and monitoring of disease, but also plays a central role in individualized medicine by enabling targeted therapies based on an individual's genetic and molecular signature.
Topic world Diagnostics
Diagnostics is at the heart of modern medicine and forms a crucial interface between research and patient care in the biotech and pharmaceutical industries. It not only enables early detection and monitoring of disease, but also plays a central role in individualized medicine by enabling targeted therapies based on an individual's genetic and molecular signature.
