BIOCAPTIVA raises 1.58m to transform liquid biopsy sample preparation

"BIOCAPTIVA's patented msX platform aims to simplify this process. By using specialised magnetic beads, the system captures cell-free DNA directly from whole blood samples without the need for centrifuges or additional reagents. The result is higher-quality DNA extraction with faster processing times and fewer technical steps, improvements that could allow laboratories to process large volumes of samples more efficiently."

"Liquid biopsy, a technique that analyses genetic material from blood samples rather than tumour tissue, has become one of the most promising developments in cancer diagnostics in recent years. It enables clinicians and researchers to detect cancer-related genetic changes through simple blood tests, reducing the need for invasive surgical biopsies."

"The company's newly launched msX technology uses magnetic bead extraction to isolate cell-free DNA directly from whole blood, eliminating several complex steps normally required in sample preparation. The approach could significantly accelerate cancer research and diagnostic testing by making the process faster, more scalable and easier to automate."

BIOCAPTIVA, a University of Edinburgh spin-out, has raised £1.58 million to launch its msX technology in the United States, addressing a critical bottleneck in liquid biopsy sample preparation. The msX platform uses magnetic bead extraction to isolate cell-free DNA directly from whole blood, eliminating centrifugation, multiple reagents, and extensive laboratory handling. This innovation accelerates cancer diagnostics by enabling faster, more scalable, and more automatable sample processing. Liquid biopsy analyzes genetic material from blood rather than tumor tissue, allowing clinicians to detect cancer-related genetic changes through simple blood tests. The funding round was led by Archangels and supported by Old College Capital, BBI Solutions, Scottish Enterprise, and new investor EverQuest Capital Partners.

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