Kenko Imalytics Company Profile

Background

Kenko Imalytics, established in 2021 as a spin-off from the Universitat Politècnica de València (UPV), is dedicated to advancing personalized medicine through innovative diagnostic solutions. The company's mission is to transform the fight against breast cancer by developing cutting-edge biomarkers that support clinical decision-making, thereby offering patients timely and hopeful outcomes.

Key Strategic Focus

Kenko Imalytics specializes in the development of software that automates the analysis of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data to calculate biomarkers for early cancer detection, with a primary focus on breast and prostate cancers. Their core objectives include enhancing radiology workflows, providing technological tools for diagnostic professionals, and pioneering research-driven technologies to improve human health.

Financials and Funding

In May 2022, Futurs, the technological division of the Ribera healthcare group, acquired a 10% stake in Kenko Imalytics. This investment aims to support the development of software that utilizes advanced data analytics and artificial intelligence to establish biomarkers from MRI scans, facilitating "virtual biopsies" for more accurate breast cancer diagnoses.

Pipeline Development

Kenko Imalytics is actively developing a web-based platform integrated with their proprietary software, Software IA Plus. This platform enables automatic analysis of medical images and MRI data, calculating various biomarkers to generate virtual biopsies for early cancer detection. The company is also working on segmenting regions of interest (ROIs) to predict precise characteristics such as lesion type, tumor aggressiveness, and treatment response.

Technological Platform and Innovation

Kenko Imalytics leverages Latent Variable-based Multivariate Statistical Projection Methods (LV-MSPM) to simplify multiple biomarkers into a single probabilistic map, known as a virtual biopsy. This approach offers significant advantages over traditional machine learning techniques by enhancing the understanding of physiological phenomena associated with early disease states.

Leadership Team

Eric Aguado Sarrió: CEO and Co-founder. An engineer with a Ph.D. in Statistics and Optimization from UPV, Aguado leads the company's strategic direction and technological innovation.

Alberto José Ferrer Riquelme: Co-founder. A university professor in the Department of Statistics and Operational Research Applied and Quality at UPV, Ferrer contributes his expertise in statistical methodologies.

José Manuel Prats Montalbán: Co-founder. A university lecturer in the same department at UPV, Prats focuses on the application of statistical models in medical imaging.

Enrique Sánchez Mendoza: Co-founder. His role encompasses research and development within the company.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The global immunoassay market, relevant to Kenko Imalytics' operations, was valued at approximately USD 19.6 billion in 2021 and is projected to reach USD 31.2 billion by 2027, growing at a CAGR of 8.06%. This growth is driven by the increasing prevalence of chronic diseases and advancements in diagnostic technologies.

Competitor Analysis

Key competitors in the immunoassay market include:

Abbott: A global healthcare company offering a wide range of diagnostic solutions.

Beckman Coulter/Danaher: Provides innovative diagnostic instruments and reagents.

Becton Dickinson: Specializes in medical devices and diagnostic systems.

Bio-Rad: Offers a comprehensive suite of diagnostic products.

Roche: A leading biotechnology company with a strong diagnostics division.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

Kenko Imalytics has established a significant partnership with Futurs, the technological arm of the Ribera healthcare group. This collaboration focuses on developing software that utilizes advanced data analytics and artificial intelligence to create virtual biopsies from MRI scans, enhancing the accuracy of breast cancer diagnoses.

Operational Insights

Kenko Imalytics differentiates itself through its proprietary LV-MSPM technology, which offers a more nuanced understanding of physiological phenomena compared to traditional machine learning methods. This technological edge positions the company to provide more accurate and personalized diagnostic solutions, thereby enhancing its competitive standing in the market.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

Looking ahead, Kenko Imalytics aims to expand its technological platform to encompass a broader range of cancers and integrate genomic information to personalize treatment plans further. By continuing to innovate and collaborate with healthcare institutions, the company is well-positioned to contribute significantly to the advancement of personalized medicine and early cancer detection.