MLA Diagnostics secures a 7-figure funding round – NLC
Summary
Dutch start-up MLA Diagnostics, on a mission to improve tailored treatments for skin cancer patients, secures funding for continued development towards clinical trials.Cutaneous melanoma, a cancer that starts in the pigment-making cells of the skin, annually claims tens of thousands of lives while hundreds of thousands more are heavily affected by this disease. Its safe to say that dermatologists, pathologists and oncologists currently are dealing with less-than-optimal prognosis systems.Manon van Engeland, Co-founder at MLA Dx: Our molecular test is very easy to use because it can be applied to the regular diagnostic workflow that is already being implemented at clinical pathology labs.MLA Diagnostics was founded by NLC Health Ventures, Brightlands Life Science Ventures and Prof. Manon van Engeland, together with Dutch entrepreneur and scientist Egbert Smit; an experienced scientist-turned-entrepreneur who has been involved in building start-ups for over 15 years. The team has previously secured non-dilutive funding from EIT Headstart, LIOFs Limburg Business Development Fund, the national MIT program, RVO and Rabobank.MLA Diagnostics newly developed and patented DNA methylation-based molecular test technology helps pathologists in diagnostic labs by providing a more realistic prognosis based on the DNA taken from patient biopsies. A specific biomarker, namely LY75 gene promoter methylation is used to discriminate between low and high-risk disease, thereby providing more accurate information to guide clinicians in tailoring treatment intensity and ensuring precise and personalized patient care.During their recent investment round which has now closed MLA Dx secured a strategic 7- figure investment. Pain monitoring systems, ultrasound cancer detection, and light therapy for newborns: these are just some of the life-changing inventions that we have brought to those in need.