Syantra DX

With breast cancer being one of the most common types of cancer among women, Syantra DX is changing how we screen for it. Syantra DX has developed breakthrough technology for screening using blood-based detection techniques through its flagship product, Syantra DX Breast Cancer. Breast cancer is most often detected through screening methods like mammography. The process of getting a mammogram is time-consuming, expensive and highly uncomfortable for patients. It can also lose accuracy in detecting abnormal masses when screening women with dense breast tissue, which approximately half of women have, making early detection difficult.  

Syantra DX’s technology could potentially replace mammograms as the primary detection system. Its technology can provide fast, economical and accurate screening through a simple blood test. Using a unique approach called real-time polymerase chain reaction — or quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (qPCR) and artificial intelligence — blood samples are analyzed to detect the markers of breast cancer. Based in Calgary, the Syantra team is collaborating with experts in Canada, U.S., U.K. and South Korea, and is currently engaged in clinical trials.  

Support from UCeed has been important in helping Syantra commercialize its research. UCeed has supported with technical reviews, advice and financing, which has prepared the company for engagement with partners and other investors. The funding has also helped with key activities including the establishment of commercial operations and work to achieve laboratory accreditation. With UCeed advisors being significant players in the Alberta technology ecosystem, their involvement has raised Syantra’s profile and provided important opportunities. 

“UCeed support has been an important part of Syantra’s journey," says Bob Shepherd, co-founder, president and CEO of Syantra DX. "With our company being in the emerging healthcare sector of liquid biopsy, UCeed has provided critical guidance and financing to help us move effectively from clinical studies and into commercialization.”

Visit Syantra DX’s website for more information.

Syantra DX has received investment from UCeed, a venture philanthropy fund accelerating UCalgary and community-based startup companies to advance problem-solving research, create jobs and fuel the economy. A key program in the UCalgary innovation ecosystem, UCeed bridges the gap between innovation, demonstration and commercialization, and is managed by UCalgary’s knowledge-transfer and business incubator, Innovate Calgary.

UCeed Health Fund is supported by the generosity of the River Fund at the Calgary Foundation and its mission to build a healthy and vibrant community where everyone belongs.