Tenomix Inc., a Western University startup, has raised over $2 million to create a revolutionary robotics system aimed at improving colon cancer treatment.
The funding round, led by FACIT with a $1 million investment, also saw significant contributions from various investors and organizations, underscoring the support for Tenomix’s mission to advance cancer care technology.
Founded in 2021 by graduates of the Medical Innovation Fellowship (MIF) program, Tenomix tackles a critical challenge in cancer care — the inefficient manual search for lymph nodes in colon cancer tissues.
By integrating ultrasound imaging, robotics, AI, and specialized tools, their technology automates the detection and marking of lymph nodes, enhancing the accuracy and speed of cancer staging.
Currently under validation in North American hospitals, this innovation could transform colorectal cancer treatment planning.
Some important words from those involved:
“The Lymphonator is an automated, bench-top robotic scanning device. The aim is to make the process of searching lymph nodes in surgically removed colorectal cancer tissues less labour intensive, more affordable and more reliable, for pathology laboratories,”
Right now, pathology staff feel for firm areas in the tissue and just using their visual and tactile senses [to screen lymph nodes]. Because of missed lymph nodes, even if only one or two are cancer positive, it can cause issues with proper cancer staging and result in the patient not getting the right treatment at the right time. Our preliminary studies with hospital collaborators show that this manual search process is not that reliable.”
— Saumik Biswas, PhD’20, co-founder, president and CEO of Tenomix
“We envision our technology can be used as a versatile platform with scalable software that supports the pathology process.”
— Eveline Pasman, MD, COO, and co-founder of Tenomix
“Our province’s life science ecosystem is world-renowned for its talent, who continue to push the envelope in developing the next-generation technologies that aid in medical breakthroughs.
Tenomix’s cutting-edge cancer screening robotics system demonstrates the best of Ontario innovation, and we congratulate them on their continued successes.”
— Vic Fedeli, Ontario’s minister of economic development, job creation and trade
