An Italian innovation promising early diagnosis, less invasive procedures, and personalized care for oncology patients.
The ENEA Tech and Biomedical Foundation has announced a €15 million investment in Tethis S.p.A., a Milan-based company at the forefront of cancer research. The funding will support the development of liquid biopsy, an innovative diagnostic test that detects circulating tumor traces from a simple blood sample, offering immense benefits to patients and the healthcare system.
“This investment reaffirms Italy’s position as a leader in cutting-edge innovation. Supporting groundbreaking technologies like liquid biopsy means building a future where rapid, accurate, and less invasive diagnoses significantly improve the lives of cancer patients,” stated Maria Cristina Porta, Director General of the ENEA Tech and Biomedical Foundation.
A Revolutionary Diagnostic Platform
Tethis has developed a platform combining highly innovative tools to transform cancer diagnosis and monitoring. Key elements include:
- See.d®: A device for preparing blood samples, central to the diagnostic process.
- SmartBioSurface®: Specialized slides coated with biocompatible nanomaterials designed to capture tumor and immune cells.
- Artificial Intelligence Algorithms: Capable of identifying circulating tumor cells and analyzing molecular markers in plasma.
This advanced technology integrates cellular and molecular information to provide a comprehensive diagnostic profile. The ambitious goal is to detect tumors in their early stages, monitor disease progression during treatment, and tailor therapies to the unique characteristics of each patient.
Accelerating Development and Commercialization
The company will use the funding to expedite the development and market introduction of its diagnostic platform. Holger Neecke, CEO of Tethis, highlighted the transformative impact of the technology:
“With a simple blood test, we can deliver comprehensive cellular and molecular analyses to oncologists and researchers. This enables us to advance precision diagnostics, develop targeted therapies, and improve care for patients.”
This strategic investment by the ENEA Tech and Biomedical Foundation underscores Italy’s commitment to fostering groundbreaking technologies in precision medicine and elevating cancer care to new levels of innovation and efficacy.