Sense4Med, a spin-off of the University of Tor Vergata in Rome, specialized in the design and construction of biosensors, is developing an innovative point-of-care device, capable of revolutionizing the current methods of diagnosing cystic fibrosis and announces that it has closed an investment round of 510 thousand euros raised by Scientifica Venture Capital and the Innova Venture fund of the Lazio Region.
Cystic fibrosis is a serious genetic disease, a multi-organ disease that mainly affects the respiratory and digestive systems. Its incidence is significant, and in Italy alone about 200 new cases are recorded per year with 1 in 2,500-3,000 newborns manifesting this pathology, the company explains in a note.
Currently, the diagnosis of the disease is done through a complex two-step process, with an initial test on a blood sample from newborns and a subsequent sweat test to measure chloride ion levels. The latter test requires the induction of sweating through the use of a small discharge of electrical current.
Quick and inexpensive diagnosis
Sense4Med aims to simplify this diagnostic process through a lab-on-a-chip, which promises to detect the disease non-invasively and quickly, in just two minutes, using only the sweat test and at low cost to the healthcare system. The technology is also scalable, as it is possible to use the device on the entire population regardless of age group and physical condition.
At the helm of Sense4Med is Fabiana Arduini, full professor of Analytical Chemistry at the Department of Chemical Science and Technology of the University of Rome Tor Vergata. Following the closing of the round, the CEO of Sense4Med comments: “We are thrilled to be able to say that, thanks to the synergy between Scientifica Venture Capital and Lazio Innova and by virtue of their support, we will be able to accelerate the development and commercialization of our innovative device for the diagnosis of cystic fibrosis. Our technology offers an advanced and sustainable solution that can fundamentally transform the way disease is diagnosed and managed. The great advantage of Sense4Med, which makes us unique compared to other startups, is our activity within the Department of Chemical Sciences and Technologies of the University of Rome Tor Vergata, which allows us to work in one of the eleven departments of excellence in chemical sciences MUR 2023-2027 to reduce the gap between research and market. Confronted with research worldwide, we decide to bring to a higher TRL the sensor systems developed that we evaluate to be more promising for the market. Being often invited speaker at many international congresses allows me to interface with relevant scientists to understand technological trends, the advantages of our analytical systems and how to use them to impact society”.
With this investment, Scientifica Venture Capital confirms its focus on new technologies as essential keys to the future of medicine. The medtech sector is becoming increasingly strategic to face health, demographic and social challenges; Investing in this area means, therefore, enhancing the genesis of innovative solutions capable of improving people’s lives.
Riccardo D’Alessandri, managing partner of Scientifica Venture Capital says: “We are proud of our investment in Sense4Med, a start-up at the forefront of the medtech sector. Sense4Med has proven to possess a highly skilled team and innovative technology that has the potential to significantly transform the landscape of cystic fibrosis diagnosis. We also appreciated their sustainable approach, which is a step forward in creating more efficient and effective medical solutions. Sense4Med’s commitment to simplifying cystic fibrosis diagnosis, breaking down barriers and making access to results more agile, is aligned with our mission to invest in innovative solutions with a strong social impact. Once again, thanks to the partnership signed with Innova Venture, the venture capital fund of the Lazio Region, we strengthen the ecosystem of startups in Lazio and lead a university spin-off in its transition to the market to transform it into a successful company”.
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