Glasgow’s thriving Life Sciences sector, underpinned by a robust partnership of academia, industry and the NHS, provides ideal conditions for health innovation to flourish. Dxcover Limited, a spin-out from the University of Strathclyde, is making strides in cancer diagnostics with its Liquid Biopsy Platform and blood serum tests designed for same-day detection. This innovative technology uses infrared spectroscopy and AI algorithms to analyse blood samples and detect multiple types of cancers.

Having initially proven the technology in the detection of brain cancer Dxcover expanded to eight other cancers in 2022 and demonstrated enhanced ability to detect early-stage tumors through the Platform. The versatile technology also has non-clinical applications, including the detection of counterfeit goods in food, drinks, drugs, and oils.

Currently, 38% of patients with persistent headaches see their GP five times before being referred for a brain scan, leading to delayed diagnoses and poor survival rates. Over 60% of malignant brain tumours are diagnosed as emergency cases. Dxcover’s innovative blood test aims to change this by enabling fast referrals, reducing unnecessary brain scans, and improving early diagnosis and treatment outcomes.

Founded by Professors Matthew J Baker and Drs. Holly Butler, Mark Hegarty, and David Palmer, the company spun out from the University of Strathclyde’s Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry in 2019. Supported by the University of Strathclyde, Dxcover Limited has rapidly gained recognition, winning the Innovation category at the 2019 Scottish Life Sciences Awards and other prestigious accolades. The company’s vision is to revolutionise cancer diagnosis and treatment, establishing itself as a global leader in early detection through rapid, efficient, and accessible blood tests.

Dxcover’s innovative approach exemplifies how academic research can lead to impactful healthcare solutions, positioning the company at the forefront of early cancer detection technologies.