ElmediX raises nearly 12 million euros to develop innovative heat technology to fight cancer
ElmediX is also committed to unravel molecular mechanisms to better understand why tumors appear so sensitive to heating
Belgian company ElmediX is developing intensive and controlled heat treatments for the treatment of cancer. A new capital injection of 4M euros brings the total to almost 12M euros (including VLAIO research grants worth 1.8M euros) and accelerates the trajectory of this innovative MedTech company.
ElmediX, founded as a spin-off from the University of Antwerp, developed a technology platform that allows patients to undergo controlled heating to 41.5°C for several hours. Such treatment increases the sensitivity of cancer cells to chemo- and radiotherapy, thus increasing the chances of successful treatment. Especially in difficult tumors such as pancreatic cancer or metastatic cancers, the ElmediX technology can have a significant impact. After all, the outlook for patients with pancreatic cancer has barely improved in recent decades. The disease affects 2200, often young and active, patients per year in Belgium, and leads to rapid death in most cases.
Professor John-Paul Bogers, CEO: "The results in the first group of patients are promising. The confidence of our investors and the additional capital injection allow us to expand the first clinical trial and treat more patients. We are also developing a biomarker that can identify in advance which patients and/or cancers have an increased chance of response."
ElmediX is also committed to unravel molecular mechanisms to better understand why tumors appear so sensitive to heating. "Commitment to scientific research and evidence-based treatment techniques are an important part of our DNA" says Bogers. For the scientific research, there is intensive collaboration with the University of Antwerp as well as the University of Amsterdam, Erasmus University Rotterdam, University of Ghent and the Instituto Italiano di Technologia (Genova, Italy).
Other news from the department business & finance
Get the life science industry in your inbox
From now on, don't miss a thing: Our newsletter for biotechnology, pharma and life sciences brings you up to date every Tuesday and Thursday. The latest industry news, product highlights and innovations - compact and easy to understand in your inbox. Researched by us so you don't have to.
More news from our other portals
Something is happening in the life science industry ...
This is what true pioneering spirit looks like: Plenty of innovative start-ups are bringing fresh ideas, lifeblood and entrepreneurial spirit to change tomorrow's world for the better. Immerse yourself in the world of these young companies and take the opportunity to get in touch with the founders.
