Scientifica Venture Capital and Lazio Innova announced a combined investment in Sense4Med, a start-up specialized in simplifying the diagnosis of cystic fibrosis

The investment, valued at €510,000, was led by Scientifica Venture Capital, with support from Innova Venture, the venture capital fund of the Lazio Region.

Sense4Med is a spin-off from the University of Tor Vergata, specialized in the design and development of biosensors, and is developing a highly innovative point-of-care device capable of revolutionizing current methods of cystic fibrosis diagnosis.

Cystic fibrosis is a severe genetic disease, a multi-organ pathology that mainly affects the respiratory and digestive systems. Its incidence is significant, with approximately 200 new cases registered each year in Italy alone, with 1 newborn out of 2,500-3,000 manifesting this condition.

Currently, the diagnosis of the disease involves a complex two-phase process, with an initial test on a sample of newborn blood and a subsequent sweat test to measure chloride ions levels. The latter test requires the induction of sweating using a small electric current discharge.

Sense4Med aims to simplify this diagnostic process through a lab-on-a-chip, which promises to detect the disease non-invasively and rapidly – in just two minutes – using only the sweat test and with low costs for the healthcare system. Additionally, the technology is scalable, as the device can be used across the entire population regardless of age or physical condition.

At the helm of Sense4Med sits Fabiana Arduini, a full professor of Analytical Chemistry at the Department of Chemical Sciences and Technologies of the University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, who – owing to the prestigious contributions made by her research to the international scientific community – was included in the list of World Top 2% Scientists by Stanford University in 2023 and mentioned by Espresso in March 2023 among the 10 emerging professors of Chemistry, Engineering, and Medicine.

Following the conclusion of the round, the CEO of Sense4Med commented: “We are excited to affirm that, thanks to the synergy between Scientifica Venture Capital and Lazio Innova and due to their support, we will be able to accelerate the development and commercialization of our innovative device for cystic fibrosis diagnosis. Our technology offers an advanced and sustainable solution that can radically transform how the disease is diagnosed and managed. The significant advantage of Sense4Med, which sets us apart from other startups, is our activity within the Department of Chemical Sciences and Technologies of the University of Rome Tor Vergata, allowing us to work in one of the eleven Departments of Excellence in Chemical Sciences MUR 2023-2027 to bridge the gap between research and the market. By benchmarking against global research, we decide to elevate the sensor systems we develop toa higher Technology Readiness Level (TRL) that we deem most promising for the market. Being frequently invited as a speaker at many international conferences enables me to engage with relevant scientists to understand technological trends, the advantages of our analytical systems, and how to leverage them to impact society,” concluded the CEO of Sense4Med.

With this investment, Scientifica Venture Capital reaffirms its unwavering confidence in new technologies as essential keys for the future of medicine. The field of medtech is becoming increasingly strategic in addressing healthcare, demographic, and social challenges; investing in this area means enhancing the genesis of innovative solutions capable of improving people’s lives.

Riccardo D’Alessandri, managing partner of Scientifica Venture Capital, stated, “We are proud of our investment in Sense4Med, a leading start-up in the medtech sector. Sense4Med has demonstrated possessing a highly qualified team and innovative technology that has the potential to significantly transform the landscape of cystic fibrosis diagnosis. We have also appreciated their sustainable approach, which represents a step forward in creating more efficient and effective medical solutions. Sense4Med’s commitment to simplifying the diagnosis of cystic fibrosis, breaking down barriers, and making access to results more agile, aligns with our mission of investing in innovative solutions with a strong social impact. Once again, thanks to the partnership established with Innova Venture, the venture capital fund of the Lazio Region, we strengthen the ecosystem of start-ups in Lazio and guide a university spin-off in its transition to the market to transform it into a successful enterprise.”

Lazio Innova is the in-house company controlled by the Lazio Region, also participated in by the Chamber of Commerce of Rome – dedicated to supporting innovation projects of startups and SMEs in the area through both credit instruments, guarantees, and venture capital, as well as contributions, spaces, and services. Lazio Innova, in particular, is active in promoting investments in venture capital for startups intending to locate in the regional territory: the Innova Venture fund (lazioinnova.it/innovaventure), financed by the POC Lazio 2014/2020, has so far made 47 investments in 35 startups.