Cancer remains one of the most pressing global health challenges, claiming millions of lives each year and impacting countless more. Despite significant advancements in research and treatment, the fight against cancer demands continuous innovation and a relentless pursuit of new therapies and technologies. As the disease continues to evolve, so too must the approaches to combating it, with an emphasis on early detection, personalised treatments, and comprehensive patient care.
In Europe, the battle against cancer is particularly pronounced, as the continent grapples with an ageing population and rising cancer incidence rates. Today, cancer accounts for a quarter of all deaths and is the leading cause of death for people aged 45-64 in many member states. In response to this alarming trend, European countries are investing heavily in healthcare infrastructure, research, and development to tackle this growing health crisis. The collaboration between governments, research institutions, and private enterprises has catalysed the emergence of numerous startups dedicated to revolutionising cancer treatment and care.
In this article, we explore 10 European startups that are making significant strides in the fight against cancer. These companies are leveraging the latest technologies and scientific discoveries to develop groundbreaking therapies, diagnostic tools, and support systems. From advanced immunotherapies to digital health platforms, these startups represent the next generation of cancer treatment and hold the potential to change the lives of patients across the globe. Let’s take a closer look:
Accession Therapeutics: Based in Oxford, Accession Therapeutics is developing advanced cancer treatments using its Trocept platform, which targets and destroys tumour cells while avoiding healthy cells. The company is progressing a range of innovative therapies, with its first drug candidate set to enter clinical trials in 2024. Led by immuno-oncology expert Bent Jakobsen, the team is focused on overcoming the challenges of current cancer treatments to make a real difference. Founded in 2020, Accession Therapeutics has raised €60.4 million.
Ariceum Therapeutics: Based in Berlin, Germany, Ariceum Therapeutics is a privately held radiopharmaceutical company specialising in the detection and targeted treatment of aggressive malignancies, such as neuroendocrine and other hard-to-treat cancers. Their approach uses targeting molecules like satoreotide and PARPi, which specifically bind to tumour cells, allowing for precise delivery of radiation with minimal impact on healthy tissues. Founded in 2021, Ariceum Therapeutics has raised €47.7 million.
Commit Biologics: Based in Denmark, Commit Biologics is developing BiCE™, a novel platform that harnesses the complement system, a crucial part of the immune system, to treat cancer and autoimmune diseases. Their technology uses single-domain antibodies to activate the complement system, selectively targeting and killing harmful cells. This approach seeks to overcome the limitations of current therapies, offering a more effective treatment with fewer side effects. Founded in 2021 as a spin-out from Aarhus University they have raised €16.5 million.
Cure51: Based in Paris, France, Cure51 is dedicated to discovering new treatments to cure cancer by focusing on cancer survivors who have responded exceptionally well to therapy, referred to as “Outliers.” The company is building a global database of these Outliers to analyse their unique biological features and identify new therapeutic targets. Through partnerships with leading oncology centres across 36 countries, Cure51 aims to leverage advanced computational biology and precision medicine tools to develop new drugs. Founded in 2021, Cure51 has raised €15 million.
MiMARK: Based in Barcelona, MiMARK focuses on improving women’s health by developing innovative in vitro diagnostic solutions, with a particular emphasis on better managing gynaecological cancers. Their primary product, WomEC, is an immunoassay test designed to diagnose Endometrial Cancer (EC) using uterine fluid instead of cellular material, offering high accuracy with less invasiveness compared to traditional methods. This approach aims to provide faster, more accurate diagnoses, reduce the need for invasive procedures like hysteroscopy, and improve treatment planning. Founded in 2021, MiMARK has raised €6.5 million.
Novai: Based in the United Kingdom, Novai is a UK medtech company that utilises its DARC technology to pioneer early detection and intervention for eye and brain diseases, which can include detecting signs related to cancer. Their technology aids in identifying disease progression at an early stage, potentially before severe symptoms appear, allowing for timely and targeted treatment. This approach is particularly valuable in oncology, where early detection can significantly impact treatment outcomes. Founded in 2020, Novai has raised €4.8 million.
Perci Health: Based in London, United Kingdom, Perci Health is a virtual care clinic dedicated to supporting people living with cancer and their caregivers by connecting them to a multidisciplinary team of cancer experts. They offer personalised, 1-to-1 appointments with NHS-registered specialists and provide expert-led content throughout every stage of the cancer journey. Their digital platform facilitates convenient, at-home access to a wide range of care services, including psychological, physical, and practical support, ensuring comprehensive care that integrates seamlessly with patients’ existing oncology teams. Founded in 2020 they have raised €5.7 million.
Pheon Therapeutics: Based in London, Pheon Therapeutics specialises in developing next-generation Antibody-Drug Conjugates (ADCs) aimed at treating hard-to-treat cancers. Their approach involves using proprietary technology to create ADCs that deliver potent cytotoxic agents directly to cancer cells, with a focus on novel oncology targets and innovative payloads designed to overcome resistance to existing therapies. Their lead program is on track for an IND filing in 2024, backed by strong preclinical data. Founded in 2022, Pheon Therapeutics has raised €172.4 million to further develop their differentiated ADC pipeline.
Prothea Technologies: Based in Edinburgh, United Kingdom, Prothea Technologies is a private medical technology company focused on revolutionising lung cancer care by enabling biopsy and treatment in a single hospital visit. Their innovative approach combines a Microendoscope with an Image Processing System to enhance visualisation and perform molecular-level analysis of lesions during the biopsy. They are also developing a laser ablation catheter to treat lesions immediately after biopsy, aiming to reduce the time to treat from weeks to minutes. Founded in 2021, Prothea Technologies has raised €12 million.
Resilience: Based in Paris, Resilience is a digital health company that offers a remote monitoring solution for cancer patients aimed at improving care coordination, patient outcomes, and quality of life. Their platform includes a tool for healthcare professionals and a mobile app for patients, featuring a Remote Patient Monitoring system to enhance personalised cancer care. The solution is used in over 90 healthcare facilities and serves more than 9,000 patients. Founded in 2021, Resilience has raised €68 million to support all types of cancer and treatments.
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Read the orginal article: https://www.eu-startups.com/2024/08/the-endgame-10-european-startups-aiming-to-defeat-cancer/
