Biotechnology firm Amadix merges with Transbiomed
Transbiomed, the first spin-off of the Vall d’Hebron Research Institute in Barcelona, has developed an early diagnosis test for prostate cancer.
By Biocat
Amadix, a spin-off of TCD Pharma, has carried out a €2 millions capital increase and will hold 100% of Transbiomed equity. The CRB Bio II fund has invested €1.5 millions in this transaction and Inveready Seed Capital €0.5 millions. The new equity structure of Amadix is comprised of CRB Bio II (managed by CRB Inverbío), Inveready, the Seguranza Technology Fund, ADE Capital Sodical and the founding partners of Transbiomed.
Dr. Jaume Reventós, founding partner of Transbiomed and head of the Biomedicine and Translational and Pediatric Oncology Research Unit at the Vall d'Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), will lead the new Scientific Advisory Committee. Transbiomed is the first spin-off of the VHIR and was founded in 2007. It focuses on developing new in vitro molecular diagnostics products based on genomic and proteomic technology in hormonal tumors. Using biomarkers found in biological fluids like urine (a non-invasive method) they have developed an early diagnosis test for prostate cancer, which is currently being validated in a multi-center study, and have initiated research into biomarkers for ovarian cancer, one of the most difficult to diagnose and deadly, with a mortality rate of 95%.
Transbiomed is good example of the technology transfer seen to date in the BioRegion of Catalonia. The upcoming Biocat E-News, which will be published in mid-February, will feature a report on their success story.
As for Amadix, they are well versed in the international regulatory process and this will allow them to get products to market more quickly. Their strategy is to create a pipeline of innovative diagnostic tools in the field of oncology, signing licensing agreements with hospitals, universities and research centers of excellence throughout Spain.