Developing more targeted cancer treatment
'We saw great potential to bring this new technology into patient care. By starting a company, we could focus fully on applied research and product development,' says Eide.
Their solution is based on functional diagnostics. By growing living laboratory models from small tissue samples taken from a patient's tumour, they can test how the cancer cells respond to different medicines and combinations of medicines. The aim is to identify the most effective treatment for each patient.
‘Advanced cancer often requires combinations of two, three or four medicines. This technology can identify these combinations. In time, we believe our technology could help cure several common forms of cancer, including bowel cancer and pancreatic cancer,’ says Bruun.
The incubator provided expertise, networks and equipment
As a start-up, they welcomed having access to an incubator created for businesses like theirs: Oslo Cancer Cluster Incubator. The incubator helps cancer and health technology start-ups turn research into commercial solutions, with the aim of improving treatment for cancer patients.
«The incubator gave us much more than an office. We gained access to experienced people, business partners, investors and specialist expertise that helped us take the company forward.»
'When we started out, we knew about research and technology. But building a strong company takes much more than that,' the founders say.
The health incubator's access to laboratories has also been a major advantage for the company.
‘We have invested in expensive equipment ourselves, but being able to build on the existing facilities has saved us a great deal of time and resources.’
After spending the first few years establishing the company and building a competitive technology platform that meets regulatory requirements, they have now moved into the clinical validation phase.
– This means the product will be tested on patients in a performance study, with the aim of being ready for market by 2029.
Aims to build a new Norwegian industry
Oncosyne works closely with Akershus University Hospital and has also established partnerships with two major university hospitals in Sweden.
'We see great enthusiasm among the clinicians we work with, and that motivates us,' says Eide.
They also highlight us as an important partner, including through our commercialisation grant and mentoring programme. Oncosyne also works with our New York office to connect with pharmaceutical companies that could benefit from the technology.
With a vision to cure cancer, they are determined to take their solution to the world. Losing his father to cancer at an early age has given Bruun a strong personal drive. Both founders are also motivated by the ambition to build a new international industry in Norway.
'I come from Sandefjord, where Jotun has shown what can be achieved. We also have the expertise to build a world-leading health technology industry in Norway. We want to help make that happen,' says Bruun.