Lunaphore, an EPFL spin-off, brings its first product to market

Lunaphore’s tumor analysis system LabSat^TM detects and classifies tumors more quickly and reliably than existing solutions. The microfluidic system, developed through doctoral research at EPFL, is designed for use by research labs, pharmaceutical companies and hospitals. It hits the market today.

Test results in just minutes

With LabSat^TM, tumor biopsy results are available in a matter of minutes rather than hours. This is the first product that the company has marketed since its founding in 2014.

The underlying technology is immunohistochemistry, which is widely used in diagnostic practice. It identifies tumor-specific biomarkers in a given tissue sample. The tissue sample is stained with labeled antibodies and then viewed under a microscope. Researchers can then visually ascertain the presence and location of any tumor-specific biomarkers. This process normally takes several hours.

The system was designed at EPFL and then developed by Lunaphore. It aims to achieve high-precision staining, which will ultimately slash the time required for reagents to incubate. The results appear just 10 to 30 minutes later.

Lunaphore, which is based at EPFL Innovation Park, has raised 11.3 million francs so far – 5.3 million of which in August 2018. The company has been awarded a number of Swiss and international awards, including Venture Kick, PERL award, Venture, Venture Leaders and Science for Life.

Photo: Ata Tuna Ciftlik, CEO of the spin-off Lunaphore. His PhD theses is the starting point of the device developped by Lunaphore.