By: Maria Williams

Biotechnology research company Novelna is aiming to revolutionize global cancer death cases with a new approach centered on proteomics technologies. According to the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME), two-thirds of global cancer deaths occur in cases without effective screening, underscoring a dire need for more reliable early detection methods. With Novelna’s offerings, it stands poised to deliver a new era of precision in early cancer detection.

CEO and founder of Novelna, Dr. Ashkan Afshin states, “Conventional cancer care often fails to deliver timely and accurate diagnoses, resulting in late-stage detections that drastically reduce patient survival rates. Emerging detection platforms utilizing cell-free DNA (cfDNA) report below 40% sensitivity for stage 1 and 2 cancer detection, underscoring the need for more reliable and early diagnostic solutions.” Novelna leverages the power of proteomics to develop highly sensitive diagnostic tests. By quantifying protein expression, Novelna’s tests can potentially detect abnormalities that signal the onset of cancer earlier than traditional methods. 

The company’s state-of-the-art Artificial Intelligence (AI) enabled Proximity Extension Assay (PEA) technology can allow for reliable and reproducible measurement of low-abundance proteins, paving the way for the creation of novel medical tests across the care continuum. 

Novelna is set to launch multiple products including their pan-cancer early detection. Their sex-specific multi-cancer early-detection (MCED) test can potentially identify high-risk individuals for 18 solid tumors with excellent accuracy. In addition to high accuracy, this specific pan-cancer test sets itself apart from others on the market due to its low price point. 

Dr. Afshin brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the table. A distinguished physician, scientist, and entrepreneur, this visionary has held advisory roles with reputable national agencies. His remarkable academic background includes experience from the John Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and dual ScD degrees in Epidemiology and Global Health and Population from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. This blend of scientific rigor and entrepreneurial spirit fuels Novelna’s mission to transform cancer diagnostics.

Dr. Afshin’s vision for Novelna is clear: “We are dedicated to enhancing accessibility, accuracy, and affordability in disease diagnostics, ensuring that everyone can have early insights into their health conditions. Our mission is simple: ensure early disease detection is not a privilege, but a right for all.”

Novelna’s development process is meticulous and robust. After initial feasibility assessments, the company conducted several studies to identify promising protein panels, followed by validation studies to confirm reproducibility. These tests show excellent sensitivity for early-stage cancers at a significantly lower cost compared to existing options, making life-saving diagnostics accessible and affordable for a broader population.

“We aim to bring the product to market by 2027 as Laboratory Developed Tests (LDTs) and seek In Vitro Diagnostics (IVD) approval by 2029,” says Dr. Afshin. “This will ensure that our tests are widely accessible and affordable.”

The company’s future plans are ambitious and multi-faceted. Novelna aims to refine its current products continually, enhancing accuracy and affordability. Beyond cancer, Novelna is exploring applications in neurology, metabolic disorders, and infectious diseases. They are also developing non-blood-based diagnostics, such as urine tests for prostate cancer, with the vision of creating home-based diagnostics akin to pregnancy tests. 

As Novelna continues to refine and expand its product offerings, it aims for a future where early cancer detection is not only possible but also widely accessible, heralding a new era in global health outcomes.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Readers should consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any health-related decisions. The contents of this article should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Published by: Martin De Juan