Ventures

NC Biomatrix offers a solution for treating chronic back pain caused by intervertebral disc degeneration. Current treatments only address symptoms, have limited effectiveness and often come with complications. NC Biomatrix introduces a new approach using a bio-inductive protein extract obtained from porcine notochordal biomatrix. This injectable treatment addresses the underlying pathology and aims to restore the degenerated disc as a way to definitively treat chronic back pain.

Rare diseases often lead to years of diagnostic odyssey and immense patient suffering. Therefore Genorare is set to dramatically shorten this diagnostic journey for individuals with rare diseases. Genorare's platform enables real-time, secure analysis of genomic, clinical, and phenotypic data using Large Language Models, predictive analytics, and Fully Homomorphic Encryption. A key innovation is the use of Fully Homomorphic Encryption, a next-generation privacy technology that allows for advanced analysis while ensuring patient data remains completely secure, promising a new standard of care for the rare disease community.

Timelab addresses the challenge of ambulance delays in the Netherlands by offering a proactive solution through their Emergency Mathematics software. With 7% of ambulance arrivals exceeding the 15-minute target, 35,000 patients annually don't receive timely care, impacting mortality and morbidity rates. Timelab's software predicts future demand and facilitates the proactive relocation of ambulances, aiming to reach 95% of high emergency call locations within 15 minutes, compared to the current 93%.

Spinal cord Injury represents a large unmet medical need with approximately 1.2M new cases per year resulting mainly from motor vehicle accidents, falls and water related accidents. Currently available treatments only offer symptomatic relief but do not target the underlying pathophysiologic changes. The spinal cord injury market is predicted to reach US$3B by 2025. MLP-1236 is a First in class dual inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) 9 and MMP 12 and has already completed Phase 1 and Phase 2a clinical studies. In preclinical models, MLP-1236 was effective in preventing/reversing the neurodegeneration associated with spinal cord injury and ischemic stroke.

NLC's venture, Profionics, advances Cardiff University's sepsis research with a biomarker test combining AI, gene expression, and metabolic analysis for rapid, accurate diagnosis. This test, which works in under 30 minutes with a drop of blood, surpasses traditional methods by quickly identifying those needing antibiotics and reducing unnecessary use, thus combating antimicrobial resistance and saving lives. Particularly impactful in neonatal care, it ensures timely detection critical for newborn survival. Founded by NLC, Cardiff University, and CEO Darren Fergus, Profionics leverages extensive research and a blood sample BioBank, positioning itself as a leader in host response diagnostic testing.

Garland Surgical addresses the challenge of hip replacement surgeries by offering an innovative solution that improves upon standard prostheses. Unlike traditional implants, the MaltaHip features four independent parts that provide enhanced mobility in three directions, reducing wear and minimizing the risk of dislocation. This implant offers a longer lifespan and greater functionality compared to standard prostheses. Importantly, it doesn't require a change to the normal surgical procedure, making it easier for surgeons to adopt.

Flash Pathology revolutionizes tissue assessment with its scanner, with immediate imaging of biopsy and surgical specimens in the moment of operation. Unlike traditional methods, taking hours and requiring extensive labor, the Flash Pathology scanner visualizes cell structures within seconds without any preparation. This, non-labor-intensive solution enables distinguishing healthy tissue from tumors in real-time, reducing the need for revision surgeries and unnecessary biopsies.

Karla Therapeutics is exploring an approach, treating mental disorders by leveraging our immune system. Neurodevelopmental disorders like ADHD and OCD are increasingly prevalent, yet treatment options often have side effects and limited effectiveness. By bridging between the immune system and mental health, Karla aims to revolutionize treatment methods. Their research focuses on a specific protein identified by top-tier immunologists, showing promising results in early experiments for OCD, anxiety, and ADHD.