NaNose Medical: Innovating Breath-Based Diagnostics for Early Cancer Detection

In a significant advancement for early disease detection, NaNose Medical, an Israeli startup backed by prominent investors including Google and the European Union, is pioneering a groundbreaking non-invasive diagnostic technology aimed at identifying liver and lung cancers earlier than conventional methods allow. Founded approximately five and a half years ago, the company has developed a breath-based diagnostic system that analyzes biomarkers in exhaled air, a method designed to revolutionize the landscape of cancer screening.

According to Ilay Marom, Co-founder and Chief Operating Officer of NaNose Medical, the invention stems from over a decade of research conducted at the Technion Institute in Israel. The technology, which is still in its development phase, targets the early detection of cancer, a critical area where current diagnostic tools such as CT scans and blood tests fall short. "Everybody knows early detection saves lives," Marom stated in a recent interview. "Yet for conditions like lung cancer and liver cancer, there’s no equivalent screening test available."

Liver and lung cancers rank among the deadliest forms of cancer globally, primarily due to late diagnoses. Marom explained that existing screening protocols often exclude significant segments of the population based on age and smoking history, which overlooks individuals at risk due to factors such as air pollution or genetic predispositions. Consequently, NaNose Medical aims to provide a solution that is not only innovative but also accessible, promoting health equity in cancer screening.

The company’s technology is distinctively inspired by the human olfactory system, utilizing a method of mass spectrometry that differs from traditional gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) approaches. This distinction allows NaNose to analyze patterns of biomarkers rather than individual molecules, a technique Marom likens to the way humans perceive scents. "When we smell cinnamon, we don't identify individual molecules, but rather the overall scent," he described. This innovative approach could lead to a more practical and cost-effective screening tool, suitable for use in primary care settings.

As NaNose Medical approaches its Series A funding round, it has already raised approximately $10.5 million, including $6.5 million in equity and nearly $4 million in grants from institutions like the Israeli Innovation Authority and the European Commission's Horizon Europe initiative. However, recent geopolitical events have posed challenges to fundraising efforts. After the October 7 Hamas attacks, the startup faced abrupt changes in international investor strategies, leading to temporary setbacks. Marom noted, "We found ourselves really in a very tough spot," but emphasized the critical support from both the Israeli Innovation Authority and Google, who provided essential financial and technical backing during this turbulent time.

The startup's focus extends beyond just cancer detection; it also addresses Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD), a condition impacting approximately 40% of the global population and often serving as a precursor to more serious health issues, including liver cancer. Current screening methods for MASLD are non-existent, yet the condition represents a substantial economic burden on healthcare systems, particularly in the United States, where it is estimated to cost $103 billion annually.

Marom articulated NaNose's vision: "We want our device to be in every physician’s office, providing immediate results about the risk of progressing to advanced MASLD and thereby preventing life-threatening conditions."

Looking ahead, NaNose Medical's success will hinge not only on technological innovation but also on effective market strategies. Marom's background in the Israeli Navy and his studies at Northwestern University have equipped him with the operational discipline necessary to navigate the complexities of bringing a medical technology to market. He emphasized that despite the promise of their technology, financial viability is equally crucial.

In conclusion, as NaNose Medical prepares for commercialization, it embodies the potential to transform cancer diagnostics, making early detection more accessible and effective. If successful, the technology could not only improve patient outcomes but also significantly impact the broader healthcare landscape, redefining how diseases like liver and lung cancers are diagnosed and treated in the future.