EVIIVE: The Venture Leader Biotech developing the next-generation liquid biopsy solution

17.05.2024 11:00, Rita Longobardi

Meet Richard Chahwan, Co-Founder of EVIIVE. The Biotech startup provides a novel platform that enhances the sensitivity of biomarker identification and allows healthcare professionals to diagnose conditions at an early stage. In two weeks, Richard will join nine other biotech innovators on a business development and investor roadshow in Boston.

Name: Richard Chahwan
Location: University of Zurich
Nationality: Canadian / Italian
Education: University of Cambridge, PhD, 2007
Job title: Prof Dr and Co-Founder / co-CEO / CSO
Number of employees: 4
Money raised: CHF 1.5 million
First touchpoint with Venturelab: Venture Kick in 2022

 
Can you tell us who your product or solution helps and how?
Our solution helps cancer patients choose the best treatment at the right time for better recovery. By using innovative technology to discover new biomarkers, we can predict and monitor individual responses to treatment early on. This empowers clinicians to personalize therapy decisions, improving patient outcomes and quality of life.

What market are you addressing, and what is the potential of your startup in that market?
We mainly focus on immuno-oncology, particularly DLBCL (Diffuse large B cell lymphoma) and melanoma, due to strong interest and progress in biopharma and clinics. Our EVs-based approach (extracellular vesicles) bridges the gap between liquid biopsies and invasive diagnostics, aiding personalized treatment selection and monitoring. We provide scientific insights to help identify the best treatment and understand resistance mechanisms in immune-oncology.

How did you come up with the idea for your startup?
In our basic EVs research at the University of Zurich, we analyzed serum EVs from COVID-19 patients. The data showed promise for predicting severity and monitoring personalized treatment prediction and response monitoring for patients in the future.

How do you think the Venture Leaders roadshow will help you achieve your vision?
Participating in the Venture Leaders roadshow provides us with a unique platform to showcase our vision and connect with key stakeholders, including investors, industry experts, and potential partners. By leveraging the exposure and networking opportunities offered by the roadshow, we can accelerate our growth trajectory, attract investment, and forge strategic partnerships that will enable us to bring our solutions to market and achieve our vision of transforming cancer care.

What are your team’s key achievements to date?
EVIIVE has been awarded the Swiss National Science Foundation – Innosuisse BRIDGE in September 2023, Gebert Ruf Stiftung INNOBOOSTER in November 2023, top 15 out of 345 in the De Vigier startup competition (ongoing), top 10 out of 70 in Venture.ch startup competition (ongoing), and raised CHF 1.5 million in non-dilutive funding throughout the past 2 years. We have secured alpha customers (Bristol Myers Squibb partner, Synthex Inc.) and closely engaged with other leading pharma (Roche/Novartis) in several collaboration projects. In parallel, we are developing our first diagnostic product to be approved for the Swiss and then US and European markets.



Is there a key principle or value that guides you as you build your company?
A key principle that guides us as we build our company is a commitment to patient-centered innovation. We are driven by a shared mission to improve outcomes for cancer patients by providing personalized, evidence-based solutions that empower clinicians and patients alike in their treatment decisions.

What is the most important lesson you have learned as a founder?
The most important lesson I have learned is the importance of resilience and adaptability in the face of challenges. Building a startup is inherently fraught with obstacles and setbacks, but it is our ability to persevere and pivot when necessary that ultimately determines our success.

Tell us something people don't know about you.
During my UK undergrad, I founded and ran a successful business alongside my studies. Before starting my Ph.D., I exited the business. Also, I competed professionally in mountain biking for Hong Kong for 7 years, winning over 10 national and international events. These experiences molded my entrepreneurial journey, giving me resilience, adaptability, and determination for our startup ventures.

Any podcasts or books you want to share with us?
For those interested in immuno-oncology and personalized medicine, a podcast worth exploring is "CancerCast" by Weill Cornell Medicine. This podcast delves into various aspects of cancer research, treatment, and patient care, offering insights from leading experts in the field. It covers topics such as immunotherapy, precision medicine, and the latest advancements in cancer treatment.