Nobel Prize for the discovery of microRNA, AI makes healthcare more efficient, and progress in our portfolio companies
Autumn has arrived and the colors in nature reflect the changes and renewal which comes with the season. At Sciety we are in the midst of several exciting projects driving innovation in life science and health tech.
Evidence is currently in the final phase of its share issue. The company has attracted new strategic investors, including a highly experienced individual who has held senior roles in several major healthcare organisations. Evidence has developed a groundbreaking SaaS platform that streamlines planning and operational management in healthcare. The platform is already used by over 200 public and private healthcare units in Sweden, with many ongoing discussions with potential customers both domestically and internationally.
At Sciety we are also finalising preparations for the upcoming share issue in TIRmed Pharma. TIRmed Pharma is pioneering the next-generation treatment for atopic dermatitis (eczema), a chronic condition affecting up to 20% of children and up to 10% of adults globally and can cause significant discomfort including itching, stress, pain, and sleep deprivation. TIRmed Pharma’s innovative treatment targets the root causes of the disease rather than just alleviating symptoms. A major advantage compared to existing treatments, which often require daily use, is that TIRmed Pharma's treatment is applied only five times over two weeks, with effects lasting up to 15 months. TIRmed Pharma is raising capital for its upcoming Phase Ib study where the treatment will be tested on patients with atopic dermatitis, allowing the company to study both safety and early signs of efficacy. The global market for atopic dermatitis treatments is valued at USD 9.3 billion and represents a significant opportunity in a rapidly growing field. Recent transactions in the area include Organon's acquisition of Dermavant for USD 1.2 billion in 2024 and Eli Lilly's acquisition of Dermira for USD 1.1 billion.
Continue reading for news about our portfolio companies and our insights on topics like the rapid adoption of generative AI in healthcare. We also take a closer look at microRNA, whose discovery was awarded this year's Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine.
News from our portfolio companies
Akiram's drug candidate cleared to start phase 1 clinical trial
Biotech company Akiram Therapeutics , which develops targeted radiation therapy for cancer, has received approval from the Swedish Medical Products Agency to initiate a Phase 1 clinical trial with its drug candidate 177Lu-AKIR001. The treatment is a novel type of molecular radiotherapy where a targeting molecule is directed with high precision specifically against tumor cells. The trial is led by Karolinska University Hospital, with the primary objective of demonstrating the candidate's safety profile. Targeted radiation therapy is an area of significant interest among pharmaceutical companies and has recently been the subject of major acquisitions, including AstraZeneca's acquisition of Fusion Pharma earlier this year.
Akiram also participated at European Association of Nuclear Medicine (EANM) Congress 2024 in Hamburg, where they presented research findings on the drug candidate. The presentation on the development of?177Lu-AKIR001 was selected as one of the Top-Rated Oral Presentations at the congress.
Elypta demonstrates progress in predicting bladder cancer risk
Diagnostics company Elypta , which develops a metabolism-based liquid biopsy for early cancer detection, has published a new study demonstrating the potential of their technology. The company's study found that measurement using urinary biomarker analysis, known as GAGomes, could predict future cases of bladder cancer more effectively than traditional and important risk factors such as age and gender, which are currently used to select screening candidates. This represents a significant advancement in risk classification for cancer screening in healthy adults using a simple test.?
Capitainer welcomes Kristina Thomsen Hall as new CFO
MedTech company Capitainer , developing intelligent solutions for self-sampling, has appointed Kristina Thomsen Hall as its new Chief Financial Officer (CFO). Kristina brings over 10 years of experience in financial management and leadership including roles such as Finance Director at Sea by Maritech and CFO at Chinsay. Kristina will play a key role in shaping the company's financial strategy to drive continued growth, with the goal of becoming a market leader in self-sampling.
Encare’s innovative solutions contributes to award for Norwegian hospital
Healthtech company Encare - Enhancing ERAS? , developing a SaaS solution to improve surgery outcomes, has contributed to improved healthcare quality and cost savings for Sykehuset ?stfold in Norway. The hospital has gained attention for its implementation of ERAS? (Enhanced Recovery After Surgery) protocols, and has optimised care processes with the support of Encare's solutions EIAS and EIP. These efforts have led to fewer complications, shorter hospital stays, and improved resource efficiency. In recognition of its work, the hospital has been awarded the prestigious Norwegian Forbedringsprisen (the Improvement Award) and has been designated as an ERAS? Center of Excellence. This recognition validates the strength of the company's software solution, which is currently used by several leading hospitals worldwide, including Mayo Clinic and Kaiser Permanente.
Synartro demonstrates promising results for their formulation in a new study
Biotech company Synartro , which is developing a unique treatment for knee osteoarthritis, has published a new preclinical study demonstrating that their injectable formulation SYN321 effectively reduces inflammation and protects cartilage. The study utilised an advanced technology where human cartilage tissue was simulated in a small chip model. This model enabled testing of treatments in an environment that mimics physiological conditions. The results strengthen the company's potential in the growing osteoarthritis treatment market and mark a significant milestone for Synartro. The study was conducted in collaboration with BiomimX? Srl and is published in the scientific journal Advance Healthcare Materials.
Monthly spotlight
The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence is expected to significantly transform healthcare, and implementation is gaining momentum. In a survey conducted by McKinsey earlier this year, more than 70% of participants, consisting of representatives from various healthcare organizations, indicated that they have either already implemented or are in the process of implementing generative AI-based solutions. The areas where participants saw the greatest potential value from generative AI are in clinician and care provider productivity. These areas include improving the speed and reliability of diagnosis and treatment planning, as well as ensuring efficient care flows and forecasting patient influx.
At Sciety, we encounter many Nordic companies leveraging generative AI in products and services aimed at improving healthcare efficiency. We meet companies using AI in products for patient risk stratification to ensure appropriate treatment interventions and predict the most suitable treatment for each patient, as well as solutions focused on optimizing healthcare processes and operations management. The global AI in healthcare market size was estimated at USD 19 billion in 2023 and is expected to grow at an annual rate of 38.5% through 2030.
Did you know…
...a tiny molecule can determine whether a cell becomes a muscle or a nerve? This year's Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine recognized the discovery of microRNA – small molecules that function as the cells' own 'gene guardians.' They ensure that only the right genes are expressed in each cell, which guides the development of different cell types and their function.
What’s fascinating is that microRNA not only influences our development in early life stages but also plays a key role in how our cells maintain their characteristics and respond to damages or diseases. Research shows, for example, that errors in microRNA regulation can lead to cancer, where certain genes that should be silent in adult cells suddenly activate and cause tumor formation.
By manipulating microRNA, researchers can now develop new ways to treat diseases such as cancer and neurodegenerative diseases. We are on the brink of a future where small molecules like these could be the key to personalized treatments that not only target symptoms but address the genetic root causes of disease.
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Sciety is a leading investment company, committed to supporting the growth of innovative life science and health tech companies in the Nordic region. We invest alongside Sciety Venture Partners, comprising family offices, private investors and venture capital firms. Our mission is to enable the full potential of life science innovations, helping to bring breakthroughs in healthcare to people all over the world.
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