LiU Invest invests in Celluminova AB
LiU Invest invests in Celluminova, which based on research at LiU and KI has developed a product that can increase the survival rate in brain surgery
Together with Almi Invest and business angels, LiU Invest invests in Celluminova, which has developed a product that can detect cancer stem cells within 10 minutes and increases the chances of survival, something that is high on the brain surgeons' wish list.
The form of cancer Glioblastoma (brain tumor) leads in 95% of cases to death within 5 years and 100% have a recurrence. The recurrences are largely due to the fact that the cancer stem cells remain in tumor tissue that cannot be removed during the surgical interventions. Celluminova has developed a fluorescent molecule that binds to these stem cells and makes it possible to see if there are stem cells left in the tissue after an intervention. With the help of the method, the interventions can be performed more precisely and thus increase the probability of increased longevity.
The goal of the investment is to develop a diagnostic product that can initially be used by pathologists and then, in the long run, get it approved for use in connection with the surgical procedure. The product is called GlioStem and is also available in the form of a lab kit for researchers to facilitate studies.
- Thanks to the investment, we can now take the product towards a wider market, hire more talent, conduct clinical trials and explore more application areas, says Shirin Ilkhanizadeh, CEO of Celluminova.