Project description
Novel polyp detection device sees all
Colorectal cancer is highly preventable by detecting and removing polyps, which are the precursors. However, colonoscopy – the most extended diagnostic method – cannot detect all polyps. Some 22 % of them are missed due to visual limitations of the colonoscope camera, amongst other reasons. The EU-funded MiWEndo project will bring to market a novel low-cost medical device designed to be attached to the tip of a conventional colonoscope. Based on microware imaging, it automatises polyp detection by emitting an alarm when a polyp is sensed. Moreover, it increases the field of view and can differentiate between malignant and benign polyps without changing current clinical practice. By the end of the project, the device will have obtained the CE mark and FDA approval.
Objective
Every year 1,4 million new cases of colorectal cancer (CRC) are diagnosed. Polyps and early-stage CRCs are usually asymptomatic or have symptoms that can be easily confused with other mild ailments. This cancer can be cured in more than 90% of cases if precancerous polyps are detected and removed. Colonoscopy is the most effective method to remove polyps in the entire colon. However, 8% of CRCs are diagnosed after a negative colonoscopy, and 22% of polyps are not detected due to visual limitations of the colonoscope camera. MiWEndo Solutions is a medical device startup focused on bringing innovative technologies to practical diagnosis of diseases related with tumor processes. Its first product is MiWEndo, a low cost and safe electromagnetic device designed to be attached to the tip of a conventional colonoscope. MiWEndo automatizes polyp detection emitting an alarm when a polyp is sensed, increases the field of view to 360º and provides quantitative differentiation between malignant and benign polyps without changing current clinical practice. Its core technology is based on microware imaging, and we have developed algorithms that can differentiate between healthy colon mucosa, cancer, and different histological types of polyps based on their dielectric properties. Our technology is protected with European patent EP3195786A1. After CRC detection, additional applications of our technology will include other bowel disorders. We have a financial need of 3,8 M€ between 2020 and 2023 (product launch). Of these, 1,5 M€ will be provided as a grant from the European Commission within the EIC Accelerator Program (2020-2022), corresponding to 70% of the project budget. At the end of the project MiWEndo will have reached TRL8, including a clinical validation in a clinical trial, and will have obtained CE mark and FDA approval prior to product launch in early markets.
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Funding Scheme
SME-2 - SME instrument phase 2Coordinator
08021 Barcelona
Spain
The organization defined itself as SME (small and medium-sized enterprise) at the time the Grant Agreement was signed.