IsoSpec Analytics has received CHF 150,000 after winning the third stage of Venture Kick. The startup is developing a unique technology that takes the guesswork out of biomolecular analysis by leveraging molecular fingerprints to identify analytes. The solution accelerates the development of biotech products and enables the discovery of new biomarkers.
Drug development is a complex and expensive process, with only a small fraction of candidates successfully making it to the market. The molecular structure of a compound plays a crucial role, as even the slightest detail can determine whether it becomes a potent therapeutic or a toxic poison. Misidentifying a molecule during early-stage drug development can have disastrous consequences during clinical phases.
EPFL spin-off Isospec Analytics is committed to reducing failure rates in drug development, particularly in areas like oncology and neurodegenerative diseases. Their technology provides crucial information throughout the drug development process, aiding in understanding metabolic pathways. The startup’s patented infrared fingerprinting technology and proprietary machine learning tools introduce a new metric that combines detection sensitivity with definitive molecular structure identification. This capability enables the discovery of robust and reliable biomarkers for the early detection of cancer and neurodegenerative diseases from liquid biopsies. Initially, Isospec will offer advanced analytical services while simultaneously working on creating a powerful and user-friendly platform for pharmaceutical and medical laboratories.
Beyond pharmaceuticals, the startup aims to apply its technology to early disease diagnostics. By identifying new biomarkers and addressing diseases at their core, they aim to become a preferred tool in this field. The total addressable market for characterizing regulated products is estimated at USD 8.5 billion, with demand anticipated to grow further. Moreover, there are additional market opportunities in food tech and agricultural science.
First paying customer aboard
For the past six years, the founding team consisting of CTO Stephan Warnke, scientific advisor Prof. Thomas Rizzo, and CEO Ahmed Ben Faleh, has collaborated to develop the technology and its applications. The team has already onboarded the first paying customers and is engaged in pilot projects with various companies, ranging from biotech startups to multinational corporations in the pharmaceutical and clinical nutrition sectors.
The Venture Kick funding will be used to develop their platform and automate their molecular identification processes, bringing speed and certainty to biomarker discovery The support from Venture Kick will enable the founding team to focus on business development and enhance their technological capabilities.
“Venture Kick was instrumental in the development of Isospec Analytics. The funds from previous stages allowed us to acquire our first customers and further develop the technology and applications. Beyond the financial contribution, it provided us with the kick we needed to move fast via the different camps, workshops, and programs,” said Ahmed Ben Faleh, CEO of Isospec Analytics.
(Press release/RAN)
Photo: Scientific advisor Prof. Thomas Rizzo, CEO Dr. Ahmed Ben Faleh, and CTO Dr. Stephan Warnke
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