Xyall announces it has raised millions of euros from investors. The money is for the development of automatic systems for tumour dissection, which involves taking samples from tumours.
Tumour dissection is a labour-intensive process based on error-prone subjective analysis. Pathologists manually scrape the desired tissue, which is then placed in a small container. Not only is this a time-consuming process, it also creates the risk of samples becoming contaminated. At the same time, there is a worldwide shortage of laboratory technicians.
Automation
Xyall wants to change the way laboratories perform tumour dissections and is developing an automated method. This new approach combines optimising medical imaging, registration and workflows with robotics. By automating time-consuming manual operations, the solution helps reduce the cost of tumour dissection. In addition, the automated solution works more accurately, faster and more sensitively than the manual approach.
"Molecular diagnostic tests provide critical clinical information that allow doctors to choose the most appropriate treatment based on a patient's individual biology. This is particularly vital in cancer testing," explains Guido du Pree, CEO of Xyall. Du Pree co-founded Xyall with Hans van Wijngaarden. Van Wijngaarden was previously Senior Director of Development and Supply Chain Operations at Philips Digital & Computational Pathology. Du Pree is Head of Marketing & Sales at Philips Digital & Computational Pathology. As part of myTomorrows, he also founded the first online marketplace for genetic testing.
Matching cancer treatment to patient
According to the World Health Organisation, 29.5 million people worldwide are expected to suffer from cancer by 2040. To better treat cancer, molecular diagnostics are of great importance, according to Xyall. Such tests allow cancer treatment to be tailored to a patient's individual biological characteristics.
"Doctors and lab technicians need faster and more accurate tissue dissection solutions to help them deliver accurate medication. They want an automated system that uses available staff as efficiently as possible," Du Pree explains. "My co-founder and I came up with the idea when we were active in digital pathology ourselves. Customers were constantly asking if we could automate the tissue dissection process. With the combined expertise of our strategic partners and investors, we are confident of creating a unique solution with both our software and equipment."
Workflow automation
Xyall's Automated Tissue Dissection (ATD) solution digitises and automates the workflow around tissue dissection. The solution helps accurately identify which parts of samples require closer inspection. A robot then scrapes the required tissue from the sample and places it in a small container. The chance of the sample becoming contaminated in the process is reduced to 0.01%, according to Xyall.
The solution also provides insight into the history of a sample. Thus, all steps in the workflow surrounding each sample are transparent. The solution integrates with laboratory information systems and image management systems for pathology.
Investors
The technology is piquing the interest of several investors, who are putting money into Xyall. The money comes from Sioux Technologies, BOM Brabant Ventures, Rijksdienst voor Ondernemend Nederland and other investors. Xyall reports using the investment to accelerate the development, production and commercialisation of its tumour dissection solution.
Author: Wouter Hoeffnagel
