Ventures

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.

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.

MLA Diagnostics improves melanoma diagnosis, offering personalized measurement of malignancy levels. Traditional diagnosis often leads to overtreatment or undertreatment, resulting in patient distress or undetected cancer progression. By analyzing methylation, our test provides accurate prognosis, enabling tailored treatment plans and saving lives. With the melanoma therapeutics market on the rise, our innovative solution is poised to make a significant impact, improve patient outcomes and create opportunities.

OCCLUNOVA introduces a novel solution for chronic atrial fibrillation (AF), a condition affecting millions worldwide where the heart's upper chambers beat irregularly. Their implantable device aims to prevent strokes associated with AF by sealing off the left atrial appendage (LAA), where blood clots often form. Unlike traditional methods, which can cause complications due to their rigid frame, OccluNova's design uses a flexible balloon to fully seal the LAA. This innovative approach minimizes risks like pericardial effusions and incomplete closure, offering a safer option for AF patients.

Pasithea improves treating obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), a condition affecting millions worldwide. Traditional treatments like continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) face high refusal and dropout rates. Pasithea offers a non-invasive solution based on triggered kinesthetic stimulation. By detecting early signs of apnea or hypopnea and inducing a controlled response, Pasithea activates muscle control centers to prevent oxygen desaturation and associated cardiovascular risks, aiming to improve patient compliance and outcomes.

AIDO enhances precision control during endoscopic procedures with its drive unit. Physicians can now maintain control of the endoscope shaft while operating tools, saving time and improving efficiency. This platform technology streamlines the control of instruments inserted through the endoscope's working channel, offering automatic insertion and precise control, ultimately improving patient safety and procedural outcomes.

Foveo Fertility addresses the challenge of improving in vitro fertilization (IVF) success rates by providing a stable physiological environment for egg cells. Unlike current methods that expose egg cells to air, leading to cooling and evaporation, Foveo Fertility ensures consistent conditions for optimal egg cell quality. This innovation also streamlines workflow in the IVF lab, reducing human error and saving time for embryologists. With no other product on the market offering constant physiological conditions for egg cells, Foveo Fertility aims to improve the lives of both lab workers and patients by maximizing the potential for successful pregnancies.

Hemeo addresses the challenge of treating ICU patients with coagulation issues by developing a decision support system. This system uses patient data and real-time monitoring to accurately assess bleeding and thrombosis risks. By modeling the coagulation system with a smart algorithm, it provides personalized recommendations to clinicians, helping them make more informed therapy decisions. With ICU patients at high risk for venous thromboembolism and bleeding incidents, this solution aims to improve patient outcomes and reduce uncertainty in treatment.