Ninsun Biotech has just moved into the BioArk in Monthey, joined The Ark Foundation‘s start-up incubator and set up in Valais, thanks to a collaboration between the GGBa and Economic Promotion Valais. It positions itself as a key player in the fight against cancer. Founded by Sylvain Gnaho and Vincent Carré, the company has developed an innovative technology to identify and characterise cancer stem cells, the driving force behind the spread and aggressiveness of tumours. With a patented technology and a commercialisation phase underway, Ninsun Biotech aims to transform the diagnosis and treatment of cancer. The Valais region, and Monthey in particular, is a fertile ground for the development of its activities.
Ninsun Biotech uses a unique method to analyse biopsies and detect cancer stem cells. “The more cancer stem cells there are, the more aggressive the cancer tends to be. That’s why it’s important to characterise them as soon as possible”, explains Vincent Carré. This technology, which is already operational, has been patented and is ready for use. The colorectal and lung cancer diagnostic kits have received CE marking, while the breast cancer kit is currently undergoing validation. “We can adapt this technology to other types of cancer” he adds, underlining the solution’s potential for expansion.
A number of challenges ahead, especially in marketing
While the technical side of the business has been mastered, Ninsun Biotech faces some major challenges in the coming years. “We’re now in the phase of marketing our diagnostic kits, and that’s the main challenge,” says Vincent Carré. The company is also looking to combine its tests with targeted therapies, a promising approach to personalising treatment.
To continue its development, Ninsun Biotech needs to raise funds. “We are looking for around five million Swiss francs for a European roll-out. Three million might be enough if we limit ourselves to development in Switzerland and France for the time being”, explains the co-founder. This investment will allow us to complete the marketing and to adapt the technology to new types of cancer.
Ninsun Biotech, which is currently in the start-up phase, counts two co-founders and one scientist with expertise in the technology. “Our team is solid, but we now need to find the right partners to accelerate our growth”, concludes Vincent Carré.