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LaserBlood · Project

Laser-Based Blood Test for Early Detection of Pancreatic Cancer

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Imagine putting tiny magnets into your blood that attract a unique layer of proteins, like a personalized fingerprint. By shining a laser on these particles, we can see if that fingerprint matches the signature of early-stage cancer. It is a way to spot a deadly disease long before it shows up on a traditional scan.

By the numbers
10%
five-year survival rate of PDAC
80%
potential reduction in mortality rate through early detection
The business problem

What needed solving

Pancreatic cancer has a survival rate below 10% because it is usually detected too late. There are currently no reliable biomarkers for early-stage screening of the general population.

The solution

What was built

An FL analysis prototype and a method to identify disease fingerprints using nanoparticle protein coronas in mouse models.

Audience

Who needs this

IVD medical device companiesOncology diagnostic labsBiotech firms specializing in nanoparticlesPublic health screening agencies
Business applications

Who can put this to work

In Vitro Diagnostics (IVD)
enterprise
Target: Medical device manufacturer

If you are a medical device manufacturer dealing with the lack of reliable biomarkers for early cancer screening — this project developed a laser-based fluorescence lifetime analysis tool that identifies disease progression from its first occurrence. This allows for the creation of a high-sensitivity screening test for the general population.

Biotechnology
SME
Target: Nanoparticle developer

If you are a nanoparticle developer dealing with the need for new clinical applications for protein corona research — this project developed a method to correlate specific protein coatings with pancreatic cancer stages. This opens a new market for specialized diagnostic nanoparticles.

Healthcare Services
mid-size
Target: Private diagnostic laboratory

If you are a diagnostic laboratory dealing with high mortality rates in pancreatic cancer due to late diagnosis — this project developed a reactant-free laser test that could reduce mortality by as much as 80% through early detection. This provides a high-value, non-invasive service for aging populations.

Frequently asked

Quick answers

What is the estimated cost or price of the test?

Based on available project data, specific pricing is not mentioned, but the technique is described as cost-effective and reactant-free, which suggests lower operational costs than chemical-based tests.

Can this be scaled for industrial use?

Yes, the project objective specifically mentions providing the foundation for an in vitro test designed for large scale screening of the population.

What is the IP or licensing status?

Based on available project data, there is no specific mention of patents or licensing terms, though the project is led by an SME (FLIM LABS SRL) focused on developing a prototype.

How long does the development timeline take?

The project period is set from 2024-01-01 to 2027-12-31, indicating a four-year development window.

How does this integrate into current clinical workflows?

The test is designed as an in vitro diagnostic (IVD) blood test, meaning it can be integrated into standard blood sampling and laboratory analysis workflows.

Consortium

Who built it

The consortium is well-balanced for a high-risk project, consisting of 7 partners across 4 countries. With an industry ratio of 43% and 3 SMEs involved, including the coordinator FLIM LABS SRL, there is a strong drive toward commercialization. The mix of 2 universities and 1 research institute ensures the scientific rigor needed for the complex biophotonic analysis.

How to reach the team

Contact FLIM LABS SRL in Italy for partnership opportunities regarding FL analysis prototypes.

Next steps

Talk to the team behind this work.

Contact us to explore licensing opportunities for the LaserBlood diagnostic prototype.

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