Carcinotech Raises $5.3M to Develop 3D-Printed Micro-Tumors

Scottish startup company Carcinotech has raised $5.3 million in funding to build on traction in the UK and Europe. The company said it plans to expand in the U.S. later this year.
 
The company’s Carcino3D technology allows manufacture of 3D-printed micro-tumors using cells derived from patient biopsies and blood samples. This offers precise simulation of the tumor microenvironment, which Carcinotech hopes will accelerate ethical drug screening and deliver more effective cancer treatments.
 
In October, the company began a collaboration with CELLINK to leverage bioprinting solutions and Carcinotech’s expertise to produce living, bioprinted tumors for cutting-edge cancer models.
 
Carcinotech founder and CEO Ishani Malhotra said the company’s vision is to be at the helm of cancer drug testing and offer personalized medicine testing “…to every individual suffering from cancer to improve their treatment and chance of survival. Working with global partners, leading pharma companies, surgeons, pathologists, and clinicians, Carcinotech aims to significantly accelerate oncology drug development.”
 
“As part of ongoing commercialization, we have built strong industry partnerships in Europe, and are now actively engaged in replicating these in North America,” Malhotra added.
 
The company also fortified its board. Its chairman is industry veteran Albert Nicholl, who chairs the board at several life sciences companies and served at Stryker and Orthofix over the course of his career. Carcinotech also launched a scientific advisory board last year with renowned leaders in oncology.