Curida chairman Ole J. Dahlberg and new CEO Anders Larsson, Lytix Biopharma co-founder Øistein Rekdal. Photo: Curida & Lytix.

Lytix and Curida: Growth and innovation

Two companies from the Oslo Cancer Cluster have recently made remarkable achievements in both research and economic growth in the dynamic landscape of biotechnology and pharmaceuticals.

Lytix Biopharma and Curida, both Norwegian-owned, have gained attention and acclaim for their innovative approaches and substantial contributions to the healthcare sector.

Lytix Biopharma: Pioneering Immunotherapy

Lytix Biopharma, a clinical-stage immuno-oncology company based in Oslo, Norway, has been making waves with its research and development efforts in cancer immunotherapy. Spearheaded by CEO Øystein Rekdal, the company has recently secured between NOK 50 and 55 million in new capital, showcasing strong support from existing shareholders and new investors alike.

One of Lytix Biopharma’s flagship projects is the development of LTX-315, a novel cancer immunotherapy drug candidate currently undergoing Phase II studies. Partnering with Verrica Pharmaceuticals, Lytix Biopharma aims to revolutionize the treatment of skin cancer with LTX-315, offering patients a non-surgical option with potentially reduced risks and improved outcomes.

Rekdal highlights the significance of the partnership with Verrica, stating, “The collaboration with Verrica shows that the company’s drug candidate has a commercial potential in one of the largest cancer indications globally.” Moreover, Lytix Biopharma’s innovative approach, addresses key challenges in cancer therapy, promising enhanced efficacy and reduced side effects compared to current treatments.

Read more about Lytix drug candidate LTX-315

(In Norwegian)Les mer om Lytix Biopharma i Healthtalk

Curida: Empowering Pharma and Biotech

In parallel, Curida, another Oslo Cancer Cluster member company based in Oslo, Norway, has secured a significant growth investment from Signet Healthcare Partners and existing shareholders. This substantial investment, totalling between 230M NOK and 260M NOK, underscores Curida’s commitment to expansion and innovation in pharmaceutical manufacturing.

Ole J. Dahlberg, former CEO and Chairman of the Board at Curida, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership with Signet, stating, “We are excited by the opportunity to further accelerate growth and improve products for our pharma and biotech customers in their work to deliver medicines and therapeutics to benefit patients.”

The appointment of Anders Larsson as the new CEO further strengthens Curida’s leadership team, bringing extensive experience in management and strategic development from the pharmaceutical industry. With a focus on aseptic and non-aseptic liquid manufacturing, as well as biologics processing, Curida aims to cater to the evolving needs of pharmaceutical and biotech companies worldwide.

Read more in their press release

Plans for the Future

Both Lytix Biopharma and Curida have ambitious plans for the future, aiming to advance their respective projects and expand their impact on the healthcare industry. For Lytix Biopharma, upcoming studies at the Norwegian Radium Hospital hold promise for testing LTX-315 in earlier-stage melanoma patients, potentially broadening the reach of their innovative immunotherapy.

Rekdal shared their overarching goal, stating, “Our overall goal is to bring multiple projects forward and partner for late-stage development and commercialisation.” Similarly, Curida looks to leverage Signet’s industry expertise and investment to enhance its manufacturing capabilities and continue delivering high-quality solutions to pharmaceutical and biotech partners globally.

 

 

The post Lytix and Curida: Growth and innovation first appeared on Oslo Cancer Cluster.

Klyngelederne foran Stortinget før høringen (fra venstre): Ketil Widerberg, Oslo Cancer Cluster, Hanne Mette Dyrlie Kristensen, The Life Science Cluster, og Arild Kristensen, Norwegian Smart Care Cluster. Den siste klyngelederen, Lena Nymo Helli i Norway Health Tech, var ikke til stede. Foto: Frode Strisland, SINTEF

Sammen om superklynge

Oslo Cancer Cluster

De fire helseklyngene gikk denne uka sammen om et høringsinnspill til Stortinget, der de foreslår å stå sammen om en superklynge innen helse.

English summary: The four health cluster leaders gave joint political input to the Norwegian parliament on 16 April 2024. They are suggesting to join forces for a supercluster in health. 

Høringen, som fant sted 16. april 2024, var om Nasjonal helse- og samhandlingsplan 2024–2027 (Meld. St. 9, 2023-2024) – Vår felles helsetjeneste. I innspillet skriver de: “Klyngene er godt posisjonert for å bidra med 530 medlemmer i hele Norge; bedrifter, kommuner, helseforetak, brukerorganisasjoner, forsknings- og utdanningsinstitusjoner og investorer.”

Hele høringsinnspillet kan leses på Stortingets nettsider.

Superklyngesamarbeid

De fire nasjonale helseklyngene er Norway Health Tech, Norwegian Smart Care Cluster, The Life Science Cluster og Oslo Cancer Cluster.

Klyngelederne sa i høringen at de mener at Stortinget i sin innstilling til Nasjonal helse- og samordningsplan bør ha med følgende: Stortinget ber regjeringen legge opp til en videre, langsiktig og forsterket finansiering som sikrer at en superklynge innen helse kan gi et bedre og mer samordnet bidrag til helsetjenestene og helseindustrien i Norge.

– Helseklyngene samarbeider i dag om de store problemstillingene innen helsenæring, som finansiering, eksport og digitalisering. Med et superklyngesamarbeid kan vi ta dette til neste nivå, og samtidig fokusere på å videreutvikle det unike innovasjonspotensialet i Oslo Cancer Cluster, sier Ketil Widerberg, daglig leder i Oslo Cancer Cluster.

Verdiene de kan skape

Klyngene har sammen med Menon Economics utformet et dokument som går i dybden på verdiene de kan skape. Her kommer det blant annet fram at “helseindustrien bidrar til økt kvalitet i helsevesenet gjennom innovasjon, teknologi og nye metoder, og til reduserte utgifter til helse og omsorg ved å øke produktiviteten, forhindre sykdom eller redusere behovet for kostbar innleggelse. Økt kvalitet og produktivitet i helsevesenet er ekstremt viktig for Norge, fordi det allerede jobber 390 000 personer i helsevesenet, og fordi SSBs prognoser tilsier at antallet vil øke 760 000 personer i 2060 hvis vi ikke lykkes med å øke produktiviteten.”

Videre står det om klyngene at:

“Medlemmene i de fire klyngene er lokalisert over hele landet og dekker hele verdikjeden fra forskning, via produksjon av legemidler, medisinsk utstyr og e-helseprodukter, til helse- og omsorgstjenester – innenfor alle større sykdomsgrupper. Klyngeorganisasjonene er verktøy for medlemmenes felles behov; de er kollektive handlingsagenter.”

Her kan du lese hele Menon-dokumentet om Helseklyngenes rolle og verdiskapingsbidrag.

Ønsker offentlig-privat finansiering

I høringsinnspillet til Stortinget skriver klyngelederne:

“Våre møteplasser skaper koblinger og bygger tillit, vi sørger for infrastruktur og utstyr for testing og utvikling og gjør bedriftene rustet til å svare på både nasjonale og internasjonale behov, og derigjennom også bygge eksportindustri. Mange av bedriftene er allerede tett koblet på globale markeder, og vår jobb er også å skape flere gjennombrudd for norsk eksport. Potensialet er stort, og med riktig finansiering vil dette arbeidet kunne gjøres med større hastighet og i større omfang enn det som gjøres i dag. Resultatet vil være flere gode løsninger.”

Det felles utgangspunktet for et superklyngesamarbeid er fire modne klynger innen helseteknologi og livsvitenskap, som gjennom nærmere to tiår har produsert resultater gjennom nye løsninger til helse-Norge, og mer eksport og nye arbeidsplasser i industrien. Klyngene er i høringsinnspillet også enige om en levedyktig videre finansiering:

“Vårt neste steg handler om samordnet innsats for mer effektivt å bidra for våre medlemmer basert på den dybdeinnsikten og spesialiseringen vi har faglig, teknologisk og inn mot ulike sektorområder. Skal vi lykkes, må det fortsatt være et forpliktende offentlig og privat samarbeid, også når det gjelder finansiering. Det vil i praksis si at vår finansiering bør komme 50% fra offentlige og 50% fra privat.”

Her kan du se opptak fra høringen i Helse- og omsorgskomiteen 16. april 2024. 

The post Sammen om superklynge first appeared on Oslo Cancer Cluster.

Results from breast cancer screening pilot

A clinical pilot for personalised risk-based breast cancer screening has been conducted as part of the AnteNOR project. Here are some of the results.

The pilot study that was part of the AnteNOR research project investigated the use of a genetic test assessing the participants’ polygenic risk score (PRS) for breast cancer in tailoring a more personalised mammographic screening. Further, women’s experiences with the test were explored.

“In total, 80 women aged 40-50 years were included in the pilot study. They were recruited among women referred for clinical mammography at the breast center in Vestre Viken in Norway”, said Tone Hovda, senior radiologist at Vestre Viken Hospital Trust, where the study was conducted.

AnteNOR has investigated how it will be possible to implement a more personalised screening programme for breast cancer in Norway, based on the individual’s genetic risk for disease.

Women with a prior diagnosis of breast cancer or premalignant breast disease were excluded, as were women who had already been through genetic counselling and testing due to family cancer history.

The participants submitted saliva samples that were sent to the project partner Antegenes in Estonia for DNA sequencing and calculation of the polygenic risk score using the AnteBC test developed by Antegenes.

Screening recommendations

The participants were then recommended for future mammographic screening based on the results of the PRS test. The participant’s 10-year breast cancer risk was assessed and compared to the 10-year breast cancer risk for average women of the same age.

Women with a 10-year risk lower to or equal to average were recommended to participate in the national mammography screening program, BreastScreen Norway, inviting women aged 50-69 to biennial mammography. Women with a relative risk higher than average were recommended to start biennial mammographic screening at an earlier age than 50 years, based on what age the risk of an average 50-year-old woman was reached.

Women with a relative risk double as large as the average risk were recommended annual mammography from the age they reached a double risk compared to an average 50-year-old woman.

Half had a higher risk

In total, 51% had a relative risk for breast cancer based on the PRS-test that was higher than the average population of the same age. These participants were recommended to start mammography screening at an earlier age than 50. 12% had a relative risk double as large as the average risk.

27% were referred to the Oslo University Hospital for more extended genetic testing due to family cancer history.

Family cancer history

At inclusion, the participants answered a questionnaire addressing family cancer history. Medical geneticists at Oslo University Hospital evaluated this information, and participants fulfilling national criteria based on family cancer history were referred for further genetic counselling and testing for hereditary cancer, independent of the results of the PRS test.

What the women experienced

All participants were invited to answer a follow-up questionnaire 6-9 months after the PRS testing, exploring the women’s experiences.

“The vast majority felt it reassuring to get information about their future risk for breast cancer and agreed that they would probably follow the recommendations regarding mammography screening given based on the tests”, said Tone Hovda.

The participants were given written information about the test results and recommendations, and the majority agreed that this communication was satisfactory.

The pilot study provided important information for future studies exploring personalised risk-based breast cancer screening using the polygenic risk score as a measure for stratification.

“We plan to publish the results with more detailed analyses, also including breast density, as soon as possible in a peer-reviewed journal.

“Polygenic risk score is promising as part of a more risk-based personalised screening program for breast cancer. Other risk factors as breast density and family history should probably also be included. We definitely need larger prospective screening studies to gain further knowledge to move towards more personalised breast cancer screening rather than the current “one-size-fits-all” screening,” said Hovda.

Read more in this previous article about the clinical pilot.

Sign up for the upcoming seminar Results from the AnteNOR project: Norway’s way towards precision prevention

About AnteNOR

The project partners of AnteNOR are Oslo University Hospital, the University of Oslo, Vestre Viken Hospital Trust, Oslo Cancer Cluster and Antegenes. The project has received funding from the Norway Grants Green ICT programme and is finalized this year.

The clinical pilot has received approval from the regional ethics committee and is registered in the database clinicaltrial.gov.

AnteNOR partner logos

The post Results from breast cancer screening pilot first appeared on Oslo Cancer Cluster.

Fra venstre: Thomas Axelsen, leder for samfunnspolitisk avdeling i Kreftforeningen, er moderator for panelet med politikere. Inger Noer (Venstre), Erlend Svardal Bøe (Høyre), Julianne Ofstad (FrP) og Marthe Scharning Lund (Arbeiderpartiet). Foto: Oslo Cancer Cluster

Har partiene en kreftpolitikk?

Under frokostmøtet Fremtidens kreftpolitikk kunne politikere fra fire av partiene på Stortinget diskutere om helsepolitikken deres er relevant for norske kreftpasienter.

Summary: During the breakfast seminar The Future of Cancer Politics four politicians discussed possible health- and cancer policies in their coming party programmes. The seminar was held in Norwegian.

Morgenen 9. april 2024 på Litteraturhuset i Oslo: Fire politikere fra går opp på scenen. De er Inger Noer (Venstre), Erlend Svardal Bøe (Høyre), Julianne Ofstad (FrP) og Marthe Scharning Lund (Arbeiderpartiet). I løpet av den neste timen skal de diskutere helsepolitikken sin for neste programperiode, men først tar de til orde for bedre samarbeid i egne rekker.

– Vi vet at flere vil få kreft og overleve kreft framover, og mye av kreftomsorgen er det kommunene som har ansvar for, så jeg er opptatt av at vi får et godt samspill mellom det som skjer nasjonalt, lokalt og regionalt, også politisk, sier Erlend Svardal Bøe, som er medlem i Helse- og omsorgskomiteen på Stortinget for Høyre.

Julianne Ofstad har gått fra å jobbe med helsepolitikk i stortingsgruppa til FrP til å bli lokalpolitiker i Oslo (hun er varaordfører), og hun oppfordrer også politikerne til å jobbe bedre på tvers av lokale og nasjonale politiske fora.

– Vi må være flinkere til å jobbe på tvers av lokalpolitikerne og de nasjonale og ha en mer helhetlig tilnærming til helsefeletet enn bare å se på hva skjer i kommunene og hva skjer i spesialisthelsetjenesten, sier hun.

Forebygging

Under seminaret viste vi fire korte videoer om relevante temaer for kreftpolitkken. I den første videoen snakker Sara Mjelva, Seksjonsleder for forebygging i Kreftforeningen, om nettopp forebygging.

I videoen stiller Mjelva spørsmålet: Hvordan vil ditt parti bidra til å forebygge sykdom i tiden som kommer?

– Forebygging handler om så himla mye mer enn røykeslutt. Jeg har vært helsebyråd i Oslo, og det handler om å tenke bredere i forebyggingspolitikken, om gode nabolag, å gi folk kunnskap om egen helse, å få med innvandrerbefolkningen og skape nettverk. Folkehelse er kjempeviktig, vi kommer til å knekke om vi ikke tar større grep rundt dette, sier Marthe Scharning Lund, som er leder for bystyregruppa til Arbeiderpartiet i Oslo, og sitter i programkomiteen i Arbeiderpartiet.

– Det dreier seg ikke bare om å få folk til å trene og spise sunnere. Folkehelsebombene er fedme, og alkoholforbruket har økt med 60 prosent på 30 år, og rødt kjøtt har en stor betydning for et bredt spekter av kreftsykdommer. Vi må regulerere når det gjelder usunn mat, og vi må forebygge der vi ser at det faktisk virker, og da trenger vi god forskning på det, sier Inger Noer, som er fastlege i tillegg til at hun sitter i programkomiteen i Venstre.

Diagnostikk

Moderator Thomas Axelsen, leder for samfunnspolitisk avdeling i Kreftforeningen, stiller spørsmålet: Har partiene gjort seg noen tanker om diagnostisering av kreftpasienter?

– Tidligere behandlet man brystkreft med en cocktail av cytostatika, og håpet at noe hjalp, med enorme bivirkninger, og der vi er i dag, med diagnostisk og terapautisk skreddersøm, er enorme fremskritt, og det må vi bare heie på, og vi må bare finansiere det, sier Inger Noer, og legger til at selv om det er dyrt, er en økonomisk oppside at vi sparer masse penger på at folk blir friske raskere.

– Det koster penger å begynne å bruke noe, en kostnad som kanskje vil bli lavere etter hvert. Vi må være flinkere til å ta i bruk nye behandlinger raskere, sier Jualianne Ofstad, og legger til at vi bør se til land som er bedre på ta i bruk ny diagnostikk, og til Sverige, der de har satt seg som mål å utrydde livmorhalskreft ti år tidligere enn vi har her i Norge.

– Mer av kreftbehandlingen framover vil ha behov for mer spesialisering, som lymfekreft, og der vil jeg se til EU, der de har et Mission on Cancer som sier at innen 2030 skal 90 prosent av EUs kreftpasienter behandles i et comprehensive cancer center, sier Erlend Svardal Bøe, og legger til at det for Høyre blir viktig å bygge opp disse kreftsentrene i helseregionene i Norge.

– Jeg blir helt svimmel når folk snakker om CRISPR, men vi er langt unna å gjøre det tilgjengelig for folk, og likevel er det the sky is the limit, sier Marthe Scharning Lund, og referer til all ny teknologi som bedrer nettopp diagnostikk.

Kliniske studier

I den andre korte videoen snakker MSD Norges Hans Petter Strifeldt om behovet for kliniske studier.

Kan vi gjøre mer for å lykkes med kliniske studier?

Erlend Svardal Bøe var statssekretær i helse- og omsorgsdepartementet da handlingsplanen for kliniske studier ble lagt fram for tre år siden, og han sier at selv om antallet kliniske studier i Norge går ned, bidrar kliniske studier like fullt til at pasientene får raskere tilgang til ny behandling. Han mener at politikerne bør se på en ny handlingsplan, men en annen ting er også viktig:

– Vi bør se på kulturen ute i sykehusene og hvor godt samarbeid vi klarer å ha med industrien og helsenæringen i årene framover.

Inger Noer er enig i at vi bør se på en ny plan for kliniske studier. Hun understreker også at vi må huske på at behandlinger har ulik effekt for menn og kvinner, og at vi derfor også bør se på kvinnehelsemeldingen i denne sammenhengen.

– En ny handlingsplan kunne vært bra for å ha et godt grunnlag, og vi må være konkurransedyktige på dette området. Vi vet at Norge ofte blir nedprioritert av helsenæringen, og det må vi sørge for fra politisk hold, at vi har et godt samarbeid med næringen, sier Julianne Ofstad.

– Vi har et byråkrati i Norge som bruker veldig langt tid på å gi godkjenning for en del utprøvinger, og der har vi en vei å gå, legger Erlend Svardal Bøe til.

Kreftbiobank og helsenæring

I den tredje videoen spiller Ketil Widerberg, daglig leder i Oslo Cancer Cluster, noen næringspolitiske baller over til politikerne, og en om kreftbiobank.

Trenger vi en kreftbiobank?

– Ja, det tror jeg at vi gjør, sier Erlend Svardal Bøe, og legger til at vi må tiltrekke oss kompetansen hjem til Norge, men også skape et bedre hjemmemarked for å utvikle mer helsenæring i landet vårt.

– Hvordan får vi gjort det?, spør Thomas Axelsen.

– Jeg mener det handler om katapult, som vi ikke har hatt på helse, og nå får vi det. Hvordan får vi ideene bedre i system, svarer Bøe.

– Og skal det komme en katapult på helse, kan den godt komme her i Oslo, sier Marthe Scharning Lund, og legger til at det går an å ha fullt fokus på å etablere helsenæring, få ting på marked, og der har vi et godt utgangspunkt i Oslo.

Julianne Ofstad er enig, og understreker at vi da må legge enda mer til rette for bedre offentlig-privat samarbeid.

– Jeg opplever noen ganger at man har en grunnleggende mistillit til hverandre, og det legger ikke et godt grunnalg for samarbeid, sier hun.

– Det at vi prøver å skape innovasjon og næring ut av forskningsresultater er en kjempegod idé! Det er enormt kapitalkrevende, men det må være mulig, sier Inger Noer, og understreker at Venstre er et parti som hele tida har lagt til rette for gündere.

– Og det kan vel få plass i disse partiprogrammene, håper vi, sier moderator Thomas Axelsen.

Samfunnsøkonomien

I den siste videoen presenterer Erland Skogli fra Menon Economics et samfunnsøkonomisk perspektiv på kreft og teknologi. Teknologikomponenten er en mye større del av totalbudsjettet i forsvaret enn i helsesektoren, og skal vi løse helsepersonellkrisen, må vi også ha en økt satsing på teknologi i helse.

Vi går tom for folk før vi går tom for penger, sa Helsepersonellkommisjonen. Har vi tilstrekkelig kriseforståelse for dette i dag?

– Da jeg ble helsebyråd sov jeg nesten ikke om natta da jeg tenkte på hvordan dette skulle gå. Det handler om å bruke penger på dem vi allerede har, gi dem bedre kompetanse og lyst til tå bli i tjenesten, og om bruk av ny teknologi som frigir tid, det handler egentlig om å jobbe på andre måter, sier Marthe Scharning Lund.

– Det er en krise som er her. Vi må se på om tiltak gir en klinisk relevant merverdi for pasienten eller ikke. Vi må slutte med ting som ikke hjelper, avslutter sier Inger Noer.

– Helsevesenet vårt er også en del av totalforsvaret, og funker ikke helsevesenet, kolapser vi fort i en krigssituasjon, for eksempel, sier Julianne Ofstad til slutt.

Velkommen i Arendal

Seminaret Fremtidens kreftpolitikk er del av møteserien Fremtidens kreftbehandling, som i år arrangeres av Kreftforeningen, Janssen, MSD, AstraZeneca og Oslo Cancer Cluster.

Neste frokostseminar i denne møteserien finner sted tirsdag 13. august 2024 under Arendalsuka. Det er også gratis og åpent for alle, og det vil bli strømmet.

Gikk du glipp av frokostseminaret Fremtidens kreftpolitikk 9. april på Litteraturhuset? Du kan se hele seminaret i opptak på Oslo Cancer Clusters YouTube-kanal.

The post Har partiene en kreftpolitikk? first appeared on Oslo Cancer Cluster.

A very happy DoMore Diagnostics team. From left: Chief Technology Officer Sepp De Raedt, CEO Torbjørn Furuseth, Head of Quality and Regulatory Elisabeth M.J. Klaussen, Senior Software Developer Goran Kovacevic, and VP Operations Andreas Berg Storsve. Photo: DoMore

DoMore Diagnostics secures EUR 10 million grant

In a great achievement, DoMore Diagnostics, a pioneering company in cancer diagnostics, has been awarded the prestigious EIC Accelerator grant.

The EIC Accelerator Grant consists of EUR 10 million (EUR 2.5 million in non-dilutive grant and EUR 7.5 million in equity matching). It signifies a financial injection and a resounding validation of the company’s groundbreaking work in improving cancer care worldwide. Recently we had a talk with CEO Torbjørn Furseth about the great news.

Team effort and Champagne

Competing with nearly 1100 applications vying for recognition, DoMore Diagnostics stood out as one of only two Norwegian companies to receive this coveted grant. CEO Torbjørn Furuseth expresses immense pride in the team’s effort, highlighting the significance of the achievement in their journey towards revolutionizing cancer diagnostics.

DoMore Diagnostics CEO Torbjørn Furuseth. Photo: DoMore

Speaking on the celebratory note, Torbjørn Furuseth shared: “We celebrated with champagne in our morning meeting, and there is a lot more to come!” The joyous occasion marks a testament to the dedication and hard work put forth by the entire team.

DoMore Diagnostics at a glance

For those unfamiliar, DoMore Diagnostics emerged from the DoMore! Lighthouse research project at the Institute of Cancer Genetics and Informatics, Oslo University Hospital. The company is dedicated to leveraging artificial intelligence to revolutionize cancer diagnostics, aiming to simplify personalized treatment decisions for all cancer patients.

Their flagship product, Histotype Px® Colorectal, is a CE-IVDD marked digital biomarker designed to inform treatment decisions following surgical resection of colorectal tumours. By accurately predicting patient outcomes, this innovation aims to reduce unnecessary treatments and their associated adverse effects, thereby improving patient care significantly.

Significance of the grant

Receiving the EIC Accelerator award is nothing short of a game-changer for DoMore Diagnostics.

CEO Furuseth shed light on the meticulous application process. We were chosen as one of 42 companies from a total application pool of 1083 in a rigorous three-step evaluation process that included a substantial research and business case and commercialization proposal. That culminated in a panel interview by scientific and industry experts, and life science investors.

The blend of grant and equity matching makes it particularly attractive for early-phase companies like us, so we decided to put a significant effort into the application process, said Furuseth.

Furuseth further shares how being in the Oslo Cancer Cluster ecosystem has played a significant part in this process.

“Being a part of Oslo Cancer Cluster has helped DoMore to become aware of the opportunities for public support and how to increase the chances of success.” Torbjørn Furuseth

Plans ahead 

The awarded funds will play a crucial role in furthering DoMore Diagnostics’ mission. The focus will be on developing essential datasets to quantify the health-economic benefits of their biomarker, paving the way for widespread clinical adoption across Europe and the US.

In the long run, the implications for patients can be profound. With over a million colorectal cancer patients awaiting better biomarkers for personalized treatment decisions, the impact of DoMore Diagnostics’ innovation cannot be overstated. With the support of the EIC Accelerator program, DoMore Diagnostics plans to accelerate its efforts, driving innovation in healthcare and improving outcomes for cancer patients worldwide.

 

The post DoMore Diagnostics secures EUR 10 million grant first appeared on Oslo Cancer Cluster.

14 March 2024 Oslo Cancer Cluster Incubator was ranked among Europe’s Leading Start-up Hubs by the Financial Times, Statista and Sifted. Shared and private lab facilities are a big part of the incubator rig. There is also an accelerator programme for start-up companies. Photo: Fartein Rudjord / Oslo Cancer Cluster

One of Europe’s Leading Start-up Hubs

Two scientists in a lab, smiling, on in action and one sittingOslo Cancer Cluster

Oslo Cancer Cluster Incubator made the Financial Times Europe’s Leading Start-up Hubs list.

“This recognition by the Financial Times celebrates our dedication to transforming oncology research and places us in a league with Europe’s most innovative ecosystems. It’s about more than accolades; it reflects our collective impact in pioneering new frontiers in cancer therapy and patient care,” said Ketil Widerberg, CEO of Oslo Cancer Cluster Incubator, when he was made aware of the news.

Ketil Widerberg, CEO of Oslo Cancer Cluster Incubator, is happy about making the Financial Times ranking. Photo: Fartein Rudjord

“This honor is a testament to the synergy between groundbreaking science and entrepreneurial spirit within the Oslo Cancer Cluster Incubator. Our unique approach, focusing on collaboration and support, sets us apart in Europe’s diverse and dynamic start-up landscape, as highlighted by the Financial Times.” Ketil Widerberg

Read more about the incubator companies and community on this incubator webpage.

Two Norwegian hubs

Only two Norwegian hubs are in the ranking. They are 6AM Accelerator, a pre-seed accelerator and investor for tech startups in Trondheim, and Oslo Cancer Cluster Incubator, with its laboratory-based community and cancer-focused companies next to Oslo University Hospital, the Radium Hospital. Oslo Cancer Cluster made 104th place out of 125 hubs in total.

Here you can read the complete list (link to Financial Times). 

It is also published as a Special Report in the Financial Times.

Specialized lab infrastructure

“With world-leading researchers in shared and individual labs Oslo Cancer Cluster Incubator exemplifies the critical role specialized lab infrastructure plays in supporting focused innovation within the incubator framework, particularly in the demanding field of cancer diagnostics and therapies,” said Janne Nestvold, COO of Oslo Cancer Cluster Incubator.

Woman in lab coat in lab

Janne Nestvold, COO of Oslo Cancer Cluster Incubator, in one of the incubator’s shared laboratories. Photo: Fartein Rudjord

Ranking methodology

According to Financial Times and their partners Statista and Sifted, Europe’s Leading Start-Up Hubs 2024 is a ranking of the top centres for founders offering incubator and/or accelerator programmes to people who want to build or grow a company.

To identify the 125 leading hubs, a registration and survey process was conducted. Several thousand hubs were evaluated, and several elements were considered for the evaluation, with the main criterion being the assessment of the respective start-up hub by alumni who participated in at least one incubator or accelerator programme run by the respective hub. In addition, the recommendations of external experts, such as investors, entrepreneurs, and academics were included. Finally, the most successful startups coming out of a hub were examined.

More about the ranking and methodology in this article in the Financial Times.

 

The post One of Europe’s Leading Start-up Hubs first appeared on Oslo Cancer Cluster.

From the left: Emanuele Ostuni, ARTBIO CEO, and Anders Tuv, Managing Director at Radforsk. Photos: ARTBIO and Thomas Ekström/ Radforsk.

What does it take to make it?

Two headshots of men in a collage, black and white image.ARTBIO / Radforsk

What does it take to make it for new biotech companies? We are looking for answers, digging into the legacy and environment surrounding successful start-up companies like ARTBIO.

One of the newest members of Oslo Cancer Cluster is the clinical-stage radiopharmaceutical company ARTBIO. On their webpage, they present the company in these words:

ARTBIO is redefining cancer care by developing a new class of alpha radioligand therapies (ART) and building the ecosystem that maximizes their potential.

We first wrote about ARTBIO in an article presenting the newest members in January. Here, we can read that ARTBIO is shaped by a long-standing scientific legacy with nearly a century of pioneering work in radiation therapy conducted at the University of Oslo and Norway’s Radium Hospital.

What is this legacy all about, and what kind of environment is optimal for successful start-up companies like ARTBIO to grow up in?

The answer appears to be fourfold.

The obvious part: financing

Part of the answer for ARTBIO is the tremendous financing round that raised USD 90 Million in December last year, for progress in the pipeline and isotope technology development for a new class of alpha radioligand therapies. The news of the company raising this amount from private investors made headlines in the Norwegian newspaper E24. How was this possible in today’s slow and skeptical market?

“There are several reasons why we managed to raise one billion NOK in the series A investment. The first one is that ARTBIO is a very attractive investment case with a differentiated technology and pipeline within radio pharmacy, which is a field that is receiving a lot of attention internationally”, said Anders Tuv.

He is Managing Director at Radforsk, an early-stage evergreen fund dedicated to oncology. Radforsk is one of ARTBIO’s founders.

In the latest investment round Boston-based venture capital fund Third Rock Ventures was the main investor, together with an undisclosed healthcare fund and existing seed lead investors F-Prime Capital and Omega Funds, according to a press release from the company.

The crucial part: the right people

“Even though it is crucial to have the right technology as a foundation, it is a must to have the right people and teams. And on that note, we have hit the bull’s eye with ARTBIO”, Tuv said and added:

“The company has been rigged the right way to see it through and succeed with realizing their potential in a global competition.”

Tuv especially mentioned the hiring of ARTBIO CEO Emanuele Ostuni as a key success factor, who was also the first full-time employee. He is described as bright, tenacious, and with a compassionate drive to succeed for patients.

To the question what do you think it will take to get to the next milestone? Ostuni answered:

“Our goals all involve doing things that have not been done before. As such they require creativity, collaboration, and practical optimism.”

Ostuni added:

“We are working to start a phase 1 trial this year. That will require a working technology for P212 isolation and a robust process for manufacturing the therapeutic product. We are also working to create a broader pipeline of programs that addresses patient needs – several of these programs should also move forward this year.”

The historical part: the legacy

So far, we have touched upon the company’s technology, the people, and the financing. What about this long-standing scientific legacy that we started with?

Anders Tuv explained:

“The scientific founders behind ARTBIO are the same people that developed the only alpha-emitting radionuclide treatment on the market so far (Xofigo), the legendary researchers and founders Roy Larsen and Øyvind Bruland.”

Tuv added:

“I think that both the seed round and the series A round in particular have shown that we have worked hard and done many things right with ARTBIO. We got international specialist investors and founding CEO Emanuele involved at a very early stage with Roy Larsen and Øyvind Bruland, and F-Prime and Radforsk have been active investors, building the company and heavily involved from the beginning. We have been thinking globally from the start and extracted talent where they were to be found.”

This is the reason why ARTBIO has offices in Boston, Basel, London, and Oslo.

The part of the environment

Oslo Cancer Cluster Innovation Park and Incubator, and the entire Campus around the Radium Hospital, including Radforsk, offer an environment for companies like ARTBIO to begin their journey, especially in radiopharmacy and precision medicine in cancer.

“We have a strong legacy and a good ecosystem for radiopharmacy in Oslo, including the Radium Hospital and the environment in Oslo Cancer Cluster”, Tuv said, and Ostuni agreed:

“We appreciate the availability of flexible space that is already partially equipped at Oslo Cancer Cluster Incubator – it allowed us to get started quickly when we were building the company.”

“The culture of openness and support at the Radium hospital also made sure that we could establish collaborations with academic groups and progress some programs while at the same time providing educational opportunities for female scientists”, said Ostuni.

So there you have it; the somewhat complex answer to what it takes to make it – at least through the first serious financing rounds.

About ARTBIO and Radforsk

ARTBIO’s approach: Alpha radioligand therapeutics (ARTs) are gaining attention as a promising experimental modality for delivering lethal radioactivity directly to cancer cells. The unique ARTBIO approach selects the optimal alpha-precursor isotope (Pb-212) and tumour-specific targets to create therapeutics with the potential for the highest efficacy and safety. ARTBIO is currently advancing multiple pipeline programs with lead program AB001 first in human trials.

Radforsk is engaged in the commercialisation of cancer research. Our goal is to develop better cancer treatment – for all patients. We invest in and develop infrastructure through Radforsk Innovation and companies through Radforsk Invest. Radforsk Invest is an oncology focused investment fund dedicated to developing immunotherapies, precision medicine and radiopharmaceuticals. The fund has an evergreen structure allowing flexibility and focus on investments that will create long-term value. Radforsk Invest`s model is based on very active ownership as investors and hands-on company builders. Radforsk’s portfolio of companies spans from early start-ups to public companies with products on the global market. For more information, please contact Anders Tuv, Managing Director Radforsk Invest (at@radforsk.no).

 

 

 

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Number of applications for clinical trials in Norway 2013-2023. Source: The Directorate for Clinical Products.

Advancing Cancer Research in Norway: Eli Lilly’s SUNRAY-01 Study

Eli Lilly selected Norway as the site for its groundbreaking study project, SUNRAY-01, despite the recent year’s decline in applications for clinical cancer trials.

This study examines the efficacy of the drug candidate LY3537982 on advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with a specific genetic alteration. and represents a significant advancement in health research and treatment for patients with KRAS G12C mutations, potentially reshaping the treatment landscape for this specific patient group.

The KRAS G12C mutation is a specific alteration in the KRAS gene, often associated with certain cancers such as non-small cell lung cancer. This mutation plays a significant role in promoting the growth and spread of cancer cells. Researchers are exploring methods to block or inhibit the effects of this mutation.

Decline in trails

Recently, Norway has experienced a notable decline in the number of applications for cancer clinical trials, dropping from 158 in 2022 to 98 in 2023. Lars Petter Strand, Senior Medical Director for the Nordics at Eli Lilly, voiced concern, noting,

Lars Petter Strand. Photo Eli Lilly

“We observe that the number of cancer clinical trials in Norway has significantly decreased.” He highlighted the global trend of increasing clinical trials in countries like the USA and China, contrasting with the reductions in most European countries.

Norway’s participation in Eli Lilly’s SUNRAY-01 study indicates a positive shift. Lars Petter Strand attributed the decision to several favourable trends in Norway’s healthcare system, including initiatives like CONNECT, IMPRESS, InPRED, and NorTrials, which have enhanced infrastructure and processes, making Norway an appealing destination for clinical trials.

Positive outlook for patients

Bjørn Henning Grønberg, Head of Department for Translational Cancer Research at St. Olav Hospital, one of the 7 hospitals selected for this study, emphasized the importance of such studies, stating, “It is always welcome to offer study participation to our patients.” The proportion of lung cancer patients with KRAS mutations eligible for targeted treatment through this study exceeds those eligible for other targeted treatments.

One of the most exciting and significant aspects of this study is its focus on finding targeted treatments for KRAS mutations, which currently aren’t as effective as other options available.

Patients with this mutation respond to immunotherapy, unlike those with EGFR and ALK positives, making it an interesting combination to explore. However, in the past, this has been challenging, as the combination of KRAS inhibitors with immunotherapy was too toxic, says Grønberg.

Challenges and opportunities

Despite these positive developments, Norway encounters challenges in maintaining its attractiveness for clinical trials. Strand emphasized the importance of addressing barriers such as delayed introduction of new treatments, lengthy approval processes, and capacity constraints in diagnostic tools at hospitals.

The roadmap for the health sector, a strategic document guiding sector development, underscores the significance of clinical trials in health research. While the government has set ambitious goals for increasing clinical trials, collaboration across sectors and collective efforts are essential to address challenges hindering this vital part of medical research.

A roadmap for the health industry

Oslo Cancer Cluster General Manager Ketil Widerberg emphasizes that this new study aligns well with the Norwegian government’s aspirations for a national health industry and ongoing efforts at Oslo Cancer Cluster to foster innovation and collaboration within the cancer research field. It represents a crucial step towards advancing cancer care and supporting Norway’s health industry growth.

Widerberg stresses the importance of patients accessing the latest treatment, doctors and researchers gaining insights into the latest technology, and the development of the Norwegian health industry, as Norwegian centres of expertise gain international visibility.

Crucial collaborations

To attract more clinical trials to Norway, stakeholders must collaborate effectively, as Lars Petter Strand highlights. It requires creating sufficient resources in hospitals, facilitating efficient communication between the pharmaceutical industry and healthcare institutions, and streamlining startup processes. Improved communication between the pharmaceutical industry and hospitals is essential, as demonstrated by Eli Lilly’s collaboration with NorTrials during site recruitment for this study.

Collaboration between industry players, research institutions, and government bodies is crucial for advancing cancer research. Initiatives like NorTrials facilitate this collaboration, ensuring nationwide access to cutting-edge treatments, says Strand

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The agreement was signed 19 Desember 2023. From the top left: Guro Bjøntegaard, Managing Director of AstraZeneca Norway, Per Morten Sandset, Professor/Vice-Rector at University of Oslo, Leif Rune Skymoen, CEO of LMI, Idar Kreutzer CEO of NHO, Magnus R. Björsne, CEO BioVentureHub, Christine Wergeland Sørbye, CEO of Oslo Science City, and Ketil Widerberg, General manager of Oslo Cancer Cluster. Photo: LMI

Unique collaboration to build Nordic health industry

A new collaboration agreement between AstraZeneca, Oslo Cancer Cluster, and Oslo Science City aims to strengthen the Nordic health industry by facilitating closer collaboration between researchers, startups, and pharmaceutical companies.

This is a translation of an article in Norwegian, written jointly by Oslo Science City and Oslo Cancer Cluster. The Norwegian version can be read on Oslo Science City’s webpage

The focus on investment in the health industry in Norway gained momentum after Minister of Trade and Industry, Jan Christian Vestre announced at the Norway Life Science conference in February 2023 that the government would develop a roadmap for the health industry.

In June, the health industry was selected as the fourth national export promotion initiative under the export reform “All of Norway Exports.” Two months later, Vestre and Minister of Health and Care Services Ingvild Kjerkol presented the roadmap, outlining 41 measures and 12 focus areas aimed at the sector developing drugs, medical devices, and digital tools.

Ahead of this year’s Norway Life Science conference, the Swedish pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca, Oslo Cancer Cluster, and the innovation district Oslo Science City are following up with a collaboration agreement to strengthen contacts and cooperation between Norwegian and Swedish research and innovation environments. The agreement will facilitate Norwegian startups’ access to residency at AstraZeneca’s innovation hub, BioVentureHub, in Gothenburg. Simultaneously, Swedish companies will have the opportunity to reside at Oslo Cancer Cluster and collaborate closely with their environments in cancer and precision medicine, as well as the outstanding research groups from the Radium Hospital, part of Oslo University Hospital, and the University of Oslo, which are gathered in Oslo Science City.

“It is important for AstraZeneca to contribute to the success of new startups and to strengthen the entire Nordic health industry. Therefore, we are very happy to participate in this collaboration, which will benefit all parties and build the Nordic region`s position internationally as a leading region in health and life sciences.” Guro Bjøntegaard, Managing Director of AstraZeneca Norway.

 

Industrial expertise and international connections

BioVentureHub was established in 2014 as an open and internationally oriented innovation ecosystem based on a public-private partnership model. Here, promising startups and research groups in Life Sciences can access office and laboratory space close to AstraZeneca’s strong professional communities and advanced research infrastructure.

Overview of building blocks at night

AstraZeneca BioVentureHub is a not-for-profit innovation hub offering an inside track to AstraZeneca’s scientific expertise and facilities, for academic groups and small and medium-sized enterprises. It is integrated at the heart of AstraZeneca’s R&D center, in the new emerging life science ecosystem, in Gothenburg. Photo: AstraZeneca

“For our company, it is crucial to maintain close contact with the companies and knowledge communities that contribute to pushing the knowledge frontier in the fields we work in. Some of these companies and environments end up entering formal collaborations with AstraZeneca, but the most important purpose of BioVentureHub is to create a professional meeting place for creativity and innovation,” said Bjøntegaard.

From the Norwegian side, Oslo Cancer Cluster will have the role of identifying the companies that are offered residency in BioVentureHub. General manager Ketil Widerberg points out that promising Norwegian startups often lack industrial expertise and an important link to the international market:

“International collaboration is essential to scale up Norwegian startups. BioVentureHub can connect our start-ups to international value chains, and it is only a short train ride from Oslo. I think that will be quite effective!” Ketil Widerberg, Oslo Cancer Cluster

 

Lifting the entire Nordic region

The parties to the agreement also want to involve Innovation Norway, whereby Norwegian companies staying at BioVentureHub can apply for support during their residency. In the long term, the goal is also to involve Vinnova, Innovation Norway’s Swedish sister organization, in the collaboration.

“Health technology is an important Norwegian export industry, and at Innovation Norway, we encourage this type of broad Nordic collaboration between industry, startups, and research environments. By building stronger collaboration between the governmental agencies responsible for grants and support in the Nordic countries, we can contribute to lifting the entire Nordic region.” Håkon Haugli, CEO of Innovation Norway.

Over several decades, Norway has invested significant public funds in health research, but Christine Wergeland Sørbye, Managing Director of Oslo Science City, points out that several analyses show that we have been less successful than other countries in using this research to develop new companies.

“There is great potential here for business development that will both create new jobs and benefit Norwegian patients in the form of new medicines and treatments.” Christine Wergeland Sørbye, Oslo Science City

“By strengthening the collaboration between research and business across Nordic borders, we shall realize this potential,” says Wergeland Sørbye.

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On 25 January, around 300 people participated in scientific sessions during the 16th edition of the conference Cancer Crosslinks, themed “Bridging innovations to improve clinical outcomes for cancer patients”. All photos: Margit Selsjord/ Oslo Cancer Cluster 

A peak into Cancer Crosslinks

World-leading translational cancer research entered Oslo Cancer Cluster Innovation Park during this one-day conference and created a buzz.

Once a year, the Kaare Norum auditorium is filled with cancer experts, researchers, clinicians, and students. Numerous questions arose from an engaged audience during the scientific presentations and in the mingling areas during the breaks.

The best way of experiencing Cancer Crosslinks, meeting fellow cancer professionals, and exchanging experiences, was of course to participate in person. If you were prevented from attending, we have made this accessible picture special of the day.

Oslo Cancer Cluster EU advisor Marine Jeanmougin during one of the breaks.

“The Cancer Crosslinks educational series aims to make the latest translational research in Oncology and Haematology accessible to Norwegian researchers and clinicians. It is such a privilege to contribute to shaping the scientific programme and to dialogue with world-leading experts.”

Marine Jeanmougin, Oslo Cancer Cluster’s EU advisor and part of the scientific Cancer Crosslinks 2024 team.

 

Prof. Sonja Loges from Heidelberg University was the keynote speaker. She gave the audience an overview of the personalized oncology landscape in Germany, among other interesting topics.

On 25 January, around 300 people participated in scientific sessions during the 16th edition of the conference Cancer Crosslinks, themed “Bridging innovations to improve clinical outcomes for cancer patients”.

This edition covered a range of topics, including targeted treatments and immunotherapies, the role of new technologies in oncology, and the impact of tumour heterogeneity on clinical outcome.

Dr. Leo Rasche from University Hospital Würzburg was one of the speakers at Cancer Crosslinks 2024. He also participated actively in the audience.

The audience gained insights, for instance into how the composition of the microbiome can affect response to immunotherapy, and in the case of myeloma; how a single dormant cancer cell can cause a patient to relapse after 10 years of remission. Participants also got an overview of the personalized oncology landscape in Germany and heard how AI-driven innovations can change the way clinical studies are run.

Dr. Lisa Derosa from Institut Gustave Roussy and moderator Dr. Marte Grønli Cameron from Sørlandet Hospital on stage during the event.

 

Be part of the buzzing conversation next year. We are already planning for Cancer Crosslinks 2025!

 

There will be a new opportunity to be present in person next January when we arrange the 17th Cancer Crosslinks during the 10th anniversary of Oslo Cancer Cluster Innovation Park.

Oslo Cancer Cluster team member Charlotte Wu Homme opening the day

Speaker Prof. Mihaela van der Schaar

Speaker Dr Raza Ali

Moderators Dr Fredrik Schjesvold and Dr Katrin Kleinmanns with speaker Dr Leo Rasche

Cancer Crosslinks 2024 participants mingling

 

Oslo Cancer Cluster team member Dave Tippett mingling with participants

Moderators Dr Marte Grønlie Cameron and Dr Vilde Drageset Haakensen

Oslo Cancer Cluster team member Bente Prestegård in conversation with participants

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