GlycanAge, a biotech startup pioneering the field of glycan biomarkers, announced the successful completion of its €3.9 million seed funding round, led by LAUNCHub Ventures and UK-based deep-tech fund Kadmos Capital. This marks a substantial leap forward in the company’s quest to redefine personalized preventative healthcare.
The field of glycobiology, despite its potential, has historically been challenged by its inherent scientific complexities and the absence of necessary technologies. Yet, the landscape is changing rapidly, thanks to breakthroughs in technology that underscore the immense promise of glycobiology in predicting diseases, guiding interventions, and tailoring therapies.
At the heart of these advancements is GlycanAge’s co-founder and Chief Scientific Officer, Gordan Lauc. Alongside his team, Dr. Lauc has been instrumental in advancing high throughput glycomic analysis and harnessing the power of glycan biomarkers for precision medicine. In 2017, Dr. Lauc took a significant step by initiating the Human Glycome Project.
This project is set to establish glycomics as a pivotal technology in disease detection, patient stratification, and monitoring therapy responses. Recent studies validate the critical role of glycans in the body’s biological functions, revealing that they undergo changes in over 70 diseases and in some cases up to a decade prior to symptoms and diagnosis. These changes are influenced by a variety of factors, including genetics, epigenetics, gender, metabolism, and environmental conditions.
Nikolina Lauc, CEO of GlycanAge, said: “We are thrilled to have the support of LAUNCHub Ventures and Kadmos Capital, who share our vision for a healthier future. This funding round marks a significant milestone for GlycanAge, and we are excited to continue our journey towards transforming healthcare and empowering individuals to take control of their well-being.”
Founded in 2020 out of the desire to commercialize ~20 years of research in the field of glycobiology and $40 million in grant funding, Newcastle-based GlycanAge offers a cutting-edge biological age test that utilizes glycan biomarkers to enable early prevention strategies for both consumers and healthcare professionals.
The newly acquired capital will be instrumental in the strategic shift from the longevity space to the broader diagnostics market. With the goal of developing disease-specific prognostic biomarkers, this funding will enable GlycanAge to establish a clear regulatory strategy and product pipeline.
Lyuben Belov, Managing Partner, LAUNCHub Ventures, commented: “As scientific research in age-related diseases progresses, the fields of diagnostic and preventive medicine appear very promising in combating such diseases and improving health outcomes. Key trends, such as the widespread adoption of biomarkers and D2C testing, along with the application of AI and advanced analytics, provide an opportunity for a significant impact on the overall health status of billions of people. Investing in GlycanAge represents our commitment to health and longevity in Europe. The innovative work in glycobiology is redefining personalized care, promising a future where health is tailored and proactive. We’re excited to back Nikolina Lauc and Dr. Gordan Lauc’s vision, making longevity a reality for all.”
John Gebeily, Partner of Kadmos Capital, added: “With the pace of change now faster than ever, it’s vital to back high-impact technologies that will deliver solutions to tomorrow’s biggest problems. GlycanAge’s vision lies at the crossroad between preventative healthcare, diagnostics and longevity. We are delighted to back Nikolina Lauc and Dr.Gordan Lauc and congratulate them on their accomplishments. We are sure they will leave their mark on the future of healthcare.”
This endeavor is further bolstered by significant grant support, including a $140k grant from Mubadala’s accelerator program HUB71, and an additional $220k from an EU AI grant. The EU funding is specifically aimed at bridging the innovative gap between diagnostics and artificial intelligence, highlighting GlycanAge’s commitment to integrating cutting-edge technology in its approach.
