ProSCAN: Prostate cancer diagnostics using a non-invasive test based on innovative glycan-based scanning

The ProSCAN test is a unique tool for diagnostics of prostate cancer based on analysis of glycans i.e. complex carbohydrates attached to the proteins. Analysis of glycans as prospective cancer biomarkers was extensively studied during implementation of the ERC Starting grant with the aid of nanotechnology. In the next EU-funded ERC Proof of Concept grant, the ProSCAN test reached its final design by implementing magnetic particles in an ELISA (Enzyme Linked ImmunoSorbent Assay) like assay format, which is fully compatible with the clinical practice. Commercial viability of the ProSCAN test was validated within a feasibility study funded by the SME Instrument 1 grant.

The current EIC Accelerator project is extensively working on the development of a unique and flexible glycoprotein standard needed for calibration of the ProSCAN test, on discovery and validation of two additional prostate cancer biomarkers and on an extensive clinical validation study. The ultimate goal of the project is to reach up to 90% diagnostic accuracy (AUC value 0.90) for our ProSCAN test. The project also includes activities related to CE registration, IPR protection and pre-licensing activities and it is already starting to approach multination pharmaceutical and diagnostic companies as its potential licensing partners.

The key benefits of ProSCAN test,- that will be protected by patents, are:

• High accuracy (AUC between 0.85-0.90) at very early stages,
• Compatibility with equipment widely used in the laboratories world-wide, which allows use of our test for massive screening,
• Affordability and speed to perform the test,
• Organ specificity,
• Non-invasive solution suitable also for active surveillance and treatment monitoring.

European Women founders group

The CEO of Glycanostics, Eva Kováčová, was invited by Mariya Gabriel, Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth to a meeting in Sofia, to launch the first European Women founders group consisting of two outstanding women company founders from each European Union (EU) Member State. This new European platform will serve to exchange experiences, connect with other women innovators and develop ideas for further EU funding opportunities for start-ups. It will also help policymakers advance the gender equality innovation agenda by giving concrete policy recommendations.

Glycanostics meets the President of the European Commission (EC), Ms. Ursula von der Leyen

On Monday 21 June 2021, the CEO of the company, Eva Kováčová (on the right) together with CSO Jan Tkac (on the left) had the great honour to introduce the company Glycanostics to the President of the EC, Ursula von der Leyen, the Slovak Prime Minister Eduard Heger and the Vice-President of the EC, Maroš Šefčovič. As one out of seven selected innovative companies, the company presented its highly accurate, non-invasive and early-stage cancer diagnostics that can help save the lives of millions of people worldwide.