3D Microscopy Revolutionizing Cancer Diagnostics – Alpenglow Biosciences

A new era in cancer diagnostics is already here! Alpenglow Biosciences, based in Seattle, has developed a top-notch 3D microscopy cancer diagnostic. Initially, the idea was to develop this technology for research labs only, but it has gone further and is about to be used in clinical applications. The startup now partners with PathNet, a leading U.S. pathology laboratory, to bring their idea into clinical applications. This 3D technology is about to enhance the testing for prostate and bladder cancers, aiming to improve patient care and streamline workflows.

Founded in 2018 as a spinout from the University of Washington, Alpenglow combines multi-dimensional imaging with AI-trained algorithms to analyze tissue samples. “People’s lives are depending on it,” says CEO and co-founder Dr. Nick Reder. “So there’s a lot more regulatory compliance and validation that needs to be done”. The 3D microscopy cancer diagnostics not only helps with cancer diagnostics. It also predicts the risk of metastasis and even a patient’s response to drugs. This information is crucial for faster and more accurate clinical decisions.

Collaboration and Innovation in Clinical Cancer Diagnostics

The initiative of moving from lab to clinic also faces some challenges. To bring this idea to life, several steps need to be taken. First and foremost, refining microscope hardware and analytics software for clinical use. For this purpose, Alpenglow partners with Zeiss. To develop and prove 3D microscopy diagnostics, PathNet will implement its technology in its Little Rock, Arkansas lab. Jason Camilletti, CEO of PathNet, praised the effort: “Alpenglow’s revolutionary 3D platform can modernize genitourinary cancer diagnostics for clinicians and patients across the country.”

Many investors and grants are supporting Alpenglow’s growth. Investments include $250,000 from Mike Rice, former CEO of BioLife Solutions, and approximately $10 million in combined investment and grant support. The company is also part of the Biden administration’s Cancer Moonshot. “Actually getting into the clinic this year and then hopefully regulatory approval next year—these are the big milestones we’ve been working toward,” Reder adds.

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