Medtech startup Biomarx raises £700k pre-seed to advance liquid biopsy diagnostics 

Early-stage biotech company Biomarx has raised £700,000 in pre-seed funding to progress the development of its automated liquid biopsy platform, which aims to reduce the cost and complexity of genomic cancer diagnostics and support the administration of targeted treatment therapies. The funding round was led by SFC Capital and Clarendon Fund Managers, with additional support from the University of Strathclyde, angel investors, InterTradeIreland’s Seedcorn Competition, and a TechStart Ventures proof-of-concept plus grant. 

 

Biomarx is developing an automated genomic diagnostic platform, designed to lower the technical and cost barriers traditionally associated with next-generation sequencing. The company’s technology is intended to support wider clinical adoption of genomic testing and reduce disparities in access to personalised cancer care. This capital will enable Biomarx to move from proof of concept to a minimum viable product, pursue ISO 13485 accreditation, and undertake a preliminary lab-based clinical study. The company’s first test kit will focus on Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer, using circulating tumour DNA to support earlier detection and more targeted treatment stratification. 

 

 

“This funding enables us to move decisively from proof of concept into full product development and early clinical validation,” said Sean Macfarlane, founder of Biomarx. “Our immediate focus is on building a robust, automated plug-and-play platform that makes high-quality liquid biopsy testing fully automated and rapid, increasing accessibility and affordability, beginning with non-small cell lung cancer, one of the most common cancers worldwide.” “Cancer management is undergoing a major watershed moment at the minute, with greater focus on early detection, when outcomes are more favourable, alongside a transition away from one-size-fits-all chemotherapies and towards treatments targeting specific mutations. Here at Biomarx, we aim to join this movement, democratising more effective, more affordable and faster cancer care.” 

 

As part of its upcoming development phase, Biomarx will be based in Glasgow, working in close collaboration with the University of Strathclyde to support product development and early-stage validation. Named Entrepreneurial University of the Year in 2023, the University of Strathclyde has a strong track record in deep-tech commercialisation and the translation of in-vitro diagnostic biotech into market-ready products.