PHILADELPHIA--(October 28, 2016) – Medical professionals are always looking to for faster and better ways to diagnose and treat cancer. Theragnostex, the newest company to join the University City Science Center’s Port business incubator, has developed a method that can both diagnose cancer and monitor patient responses to therapy via a simple blood test.
Theragnostex is developing a novel liquid biopsy system. The early-stage company’s ExoSel assay effectively captures small fluid-filled cell structures, called exosomes, which are released into body fluids by diseased cells such as cancers. Detection of these exosomes provides clinicians with real-time information on the molecular characteristics of cancer at the time of diagnosis, enabling precise monitoring of tumor status and early identification of recurrence.
Theragnostex, which has been on a waiting list for the Port business incubator, joins 38 other current Port residents, half of which have ties to academic institutions.
“We really wanted to be located in uCity Square, where we feel we’re at the heart of everything” says Sahil Shah, COO of Theragnostex. “We could have set up operations anywhere, but it is important to us to be in a thriving, vibrant community where we believe our company’s success can be accelerated. As such we are excited about the many opportunities available to us in the center of Philadelphia's nationally recognized booming life sciences community.”
The Port business incubator has helped hundreds of emerging life sciences, physical sciences, and digital technology companies launch and grow by connecting them to business-building programs, clinical resources, investors and advice. The Port offers a range of affordable and flexible options for fast-growing companies, from cubicles, fully furnished offices, and wet and dry labs directly in the heart of the Science Center’s legacy campus at uCity Square, with coworking available at the Innovation Center @3401 (ic@3401).The Port also connects its residents to Greater Philadelphia’s diverse and supportive innovation ecosystem. Over the last four years, Port residents have successfully raised more than $250 in capital.
About the Science Center
Located in the heart of uCity Square, the University City Science Center is a dynamic hub for innovation, and entrepreneurship and technology development in the Greater Philadelphia region. Founded in 1963 as the nation’s first urban research park, it provides business incubation, programming, lab and office facilities, and support services for entrepreneurs, start-ups, and growing and established companies. Graduate firms and current residents of the Science Center’s business incubator support one out of every 100 jobs in Greater Philadelphia and drive $12.9 billion in economic activity in the region annually. For more information about the Science Center, go to www.sciencecenter.org.
