World Cancer Day: a people-centred approach to cancer care

Cancer remains one of the most formidable challenges in global health, with ten million lives lost to the disease every year. By 2030, this number is expected to rise to 13 million. This World Cancer Day, on February 4, 2025, we spotlight the crucial role that private equity (PE) and venture capital (VC) play in promoting a people-centred approach to cancer care. By investing in innovative solutions, PE/VC is helping to enhance diagnostics, treatment, and access, ultimately putting patients at the forefront of cancer care.

The next generation of cancer treatments

SAGA Diagnostics

Leading the charge in minimal residual disease (MRD) cancer monitoring, SAGA Diagnostics offers groundbreaking technology that enables simple blood tests to detect cancer early—potentially years before traditional methods. As a portfolio company of VC firm Hadean Ventures, their unique tumor-informed MRD platform leverages next-generation sequencing and innovative digital PCR technology to track patient-specific structural variants, creating precise genetic fingerprints that enhance monitoring and treatment assessments.

DISCO Pharmaceuticals

DISCO Pharmaceuticals is revolutionising cancer treatment by identifying unique protein communities on cancer cells. This innovative platform aims to develop highly targeted therapies for challenging cancers, including Small Cell Lung Cancer and microsatellite-stable Colorectal Cancer. Emerging from stealth in January 2024, and led by Sofinnova Partners, alongside Panakes Partners, M Ventures, and AbbVie Ventures, DISCO has secured €20 million in seed funding to translate its cutting-edge discoveries into effective treatments.

Myricx Bio

Founded as a spin-out from Imperial College London and the Francis Crick Institute, Myricx Bio focuses on creating innovative cancer therapies through its N-myristoyltransferase inhibitor (NMTi) platform. With a commitment to patient safety and efficacy, Myricx's antibody-drug conjugates address hard-to-treat cancers. Sofinnova Partners co-led Myricx’s initial £4.5 million financing and remains a key supporter, participating in the £90 million ($114 million) Series A round in July 2024, which positions them to expand their R&D efforts and bring transformative therapies to market.

Cure 51

Cure 51 is breaking new ground in cancer treatment by studying extraordinary cancer survivors who have defied the odds. By establishing a global network of over 150 hospitals and identifying more than 1,500 "miraculous patients," Cure 51 aims to uncover biological insights that could lead to breakthrough treatments. In March 2024, the company raised €15 million in a round led by Sofinnova Partners, with additional support from Hitachi Ventures GmbH, and Life Extension Ventures. Their focus on survivor experiences exemplifies a commitment to a people-centred approach, with plans to create a comprehensive database for novel therapeutic targets.

Other examples of PE/VC investments in cancer-related companies include:

• Acerta Pharma is creating a range of highly selective therapies for cancer and its pioneering treatment has been shown to improve the quality of life for adult patients as a viable alternative to aggressive chemotherapy;

• Algeta: HealthCap assisted Algeta in ensuring its product, Xofigo, reached full potential by redirecting its clinical focus from pain palliation to full cancer therapy;

• Argenx‘s leading treatment helping patients with myasthenia gravis, a rare neuromuscular disease, also resulted in the development of candidates that can stimulate the body’s immune response to combat cancer;

• BioNTech is a leader in personalised immunotherapies using mRNA technology to treat cancer and novel diseases;

• Immatics harnessed the power of the T-cells at the centre of the body’s immune response to tackle cancerous tumours.

The role - and impact - of PE and VC in cancer care

These companies represent just a fraction of the essential work being done through venture capital and private equity in the oncology sector. By fostering innovation and prioritising patient needs, they are ensuring that advancements reach those who need them most, and building a future where cancer treatments are more effective, accessible, and attuned to the unique experiences of unique patients.