University Spin-Out Afynia Secures $5 Million Seed Funding to Launch MicroRNA Panel Test for Endometriosis

Afynia Laboratories, a Canadian biotech startup spun out of McMaster University, is advancing the commercialization of a blood test aimed at diagnosing endometriosis, a condition affecting approximately 200 million people globally. The startup recently secured $5 million in seed funding to support this initiative, which seeks to accelerate diagnosis and improve treatment outcomes for individuals suffering from chronic pelvic pain and fertility challenges related to the syndrome.

The diagnostic journey for endometriosis is notoriously protracted, with many individuals facing delays of up to a decade to receive a definitive diagnosis through various invasive procedures and consultations. Afynia’s mission is to streamline this process, enabling earlier access to treatment and alleviation of symptoms.

Dr. Lauren Foster, one of the co-founders, notes that endometriosis is complicated, encompassing multiple disorders with overlapping symptoms rather than being a singular condition. Drawing on her extensive academic background and research in ovarian regulation and endometriosis, Foster and her co-founder, Dr. Jocelyn Wessels, developed the EndomiR test, which uses a panel of microRNA biomarkers identified in blood samples.

The test employs an algorithm that compares the levels of microRNAs in patients’ blood with those in individuals with surgically confirmed endometriosis, thereby determining the likelihood of the disease. Foster emphasizes the necessity of using a panel of biomarkers to enhance the consistency and reliability of diagnoses across different forms and stages of endometriosis, as these markers encompass various physiological aspects of the disease, including inflammation and blood vessel growth.

The rationale for choosing microRNA over other potential biomarkers, such as proteins, lies in the stability and reliability of microRNAs for detecting disease signatures. The team believes their research foundation provides an advantage, stating that they uniquely recognized the potential of microRNA testing and have made significant strides in refining their research into a marketable product.

With the startup founded in November 2021, the ongoing development of the EndomiR technology has been informed by rigorous research and prior attempts to patent related biomarkers. Afynia is currently undergoing the regulatory approval process for its laboratory developed test (LDT) in Canada, with hopes of launching the test in this market by summer, followed by potential entry into the U.S. market early next year.

As a blood test, EndomiR harnesses patient trust due to its familiarity and perceived accuracy compared to alternative non-invasive methods, such as saliva tests or imaging analyses, which may not command the same confidence among patients and healthcare professionals. Moreover, the startup aims to provide its test at a cost-effective rate that supports scalability, which could give them a competitive edge over other market players investing in similar diagnostic technologies.

Beyond endometriosis, Afynia aims to apply its microRNA technology to other women’s health conditions, though details about future products remain undisclosed pending patent applications. The investment support from various venture funds and lab manufacturers showcases confidence in Afynia's potential to revolutionize the diagnostic landscape for women’s health issues. This confluence of innovation and patient-centric solutions places Afynia Laboratories at the forefront of addressing an urgent medical need.