Leading its €3.9 million seed investment round were UK-based deep-tech fund Kadmos Capital and LAUNCHub Ventures. GlycanAge is a biotech startup that is leading the field of glycan biomarkers. In the company’s endeavor to reimagine individualized preventative healthcare, this is a significant step forward.

Despite its potential, the study of glycobiology has historically faced obstacles due to the lack of required tools and the intrinsic scientific complexity of the field. However, because of technological advancements that highlight the enormous potential of glycobiology in illness prediction, intervention guidance, and therapy customization, the landscape is fast shifting.

Gordan Lauc, the Chief Scientific Officer and co-founder of GlycanAge, is at the center of these developments. Dr. Lauc has contributed significantly to the advancement of high throughput glycomic analysis and the use of glycan biomarkers in precision medicine, working in tandem with his team. Dr. Lauc made a big move in 2017 when he started the Human Glycome Project.

The goal of this research is to develop glycomics as a key tool for patient stratification, illness identification, and therapy response monitoring. Recent research confirms the vital role glycans play in the biological processes of the body, showing that they are altered in more than 70 diseases and sometimes even up to ten years before symptoms and a diagnosis are made. Numerous factors, including as gender, metabolism, genetics, epigenetics, and environmental conditions, all have an impact on these alterations.

Nikolina Lauc, CEO of GlycanAge, stated: “We are thrilled to have the support of LAUNCHub Ventures and Kadmos Capital, who share our vision for a healthier future. This funding round marks a significant milestone for GlycanAge, and we are excited to continue our journey towards transforming healthcare and empowering individuals to take control of their well-being.”

GlycanAge, based in Newcastle, was founded in 2020 with the goal of commercializing approximately 20 years of glycobiology research and $40 million in grant funding. The company offers a state-of-the-art biological age test that uses glycan biomarkers to enable early prevention strategies for healthcare professionals and consumers.

The strategic move from the longevity industry to the larger diagnostics market will be made possible in large part by the recently raised money. With the help of this funding, GlycanAge will be able to create a well-defined regulatory plan and product pipeline in order to develop predictive biomarkers unique to individual diseases.

Lyuben Belov, Managing Partner, LAUNCHub Ventures, commented: “As scientific research in age-related diseases progresses, the fields of diagnostic and preventive medicine appear very promising in combating such diseases and improving health outcomes. Key trends, such as the widespread adoption of biomarkers and D2C testing, along with the application of AI and advanced analytics, provide an opportunity for a significant impact on the overall health status of billions of people. Investing in GlycanAge represents our commitment to health and longevity in Europe. The innovative work in glycobiology is redefining personalized care, promising a future where health is tailored and proactive. We’re excited to back Nikolina Lauc and Dr. Gordan Lauc’s vision, making longevity a reality for all.”

“With the pace of change now faster than ever, it’s vital to back high-impact technologies that will deliver solutions to tomorrow’s biggest problems,” stated John Gebeily, Partner at Kadmos Capital. The intersection of longevity, diagnostics, and preventative healthcare is where GlycanAge sees itself. We are happy to support Dr. Gordon Lauc and Nikolina Lauc and to congratulate them on their achievements. They will undoubtedly have an impact on healthcare going forward.

This project has substantial funding assistance, including a $140,000 award.