Invasight: The Venture Leader Biotech on a mission to advance targeted therapies for invasive cancers

01.06.2023 11:04, Rita Longobardi

Meet Karthiga Santhana Kumar, CEO of Invasight. With a primary focus on precision and reducing toxicity, the startup's innovative approach holds promise in cancer treatment. Through its groundbreaking advancements, Invasight is poised to reshape the landscape of cancer care, bringing hope and healing to patients worldwide.

Name: Karthiga Santhana Kumar
Location: Zürich, Switzerland
Nationality: India
Graduated from: University of Zürich, Ph.D. in Neuro-oncology in 2017, and EMBA from EPFL in 2019
Job title: CEO
Number of employees: 4
Money raised: 4.5 Million CHF
First touchpoint with Venturelab: Creation of biotech company, 2019. Venture kick stage 1, 2019

 

---

---

Whom does your product or solution help, and how?
Our first-in-class inhibitors for invasive cancers are precise and less toxic, improving the quality of life and survival of patients with invasive cancers.

What market are you addressing, and what is the potential of your startup in that market? 
The global metastatic cancer treatment market was estimated at USD 54.11 billion in 2017. It is anticipated to reach USD 98.24 billion by 2025, growing at 10-12% CAGR, fueled by lifestyle factors and an aging population. More specifically, our lead product addresses the FGF inhibitor market, estimated to be > USD 4 billion by 2026. Given the large market size and unmet medical need, our first-in-class inhibitors will play a vital role in the scope of FGFR-driven cancer treatments.

How did you come up with the idea for your startup?
Invasight is based on eight years of research during my doctoral and postdoctoral studies at the University of Zürich, and the University Children's Hospital, Zürich. Toward the end of my postdoctoral studies, I realized that I had a validated drug discovery platform. I'm designing first-in-class inhibitors using the platform, which could be used to treat cancer patients. I aspire to take these inhibitors to clinics, which I intend to do via my startup.

How will the Venture Leaders roadshow help you achieve your vision?
The venture leader's roadshow is aptly taking place when Series A financing is open at Invasight. Hence, this roadshow will give us exposure among the investors to raise funds for the pre-clinical development of our lead product. It will help us to expand our network and strengthen our advisory board. In addition, it would allow us to explore opportunities for business development and strategic partnerships. 

What excites you most about your work right now?
I firmly believe that research should reflect our keen interest in enhancing and uplifting the existing way of living in mankind. This idea will always induce us to do valuable work to see the world we wish to see. "I wish to see a world that has advanced cancer therapies." The fact that I can see my wish slowly turning into reality excites me every day. 

How did you go about building your team?
I handpicked each team member through a rigorous interview process. I invested enough time in finding the apt talent for the job and did not rush through the process. Once the team member was onboarded, I ensured they understood how their role contributed to the company's mission. This aided the team members to work consistently towards one common goal. 

What are your team's key achievements to date?
We have successfully taken our lead compound to the 'pre-clinical' stage of drug development in a short period. The team is eager to accelerate further the growth of lead compounds and other compounds in the pipeline.
 

---

---

Who inspires you and why?
The Indian cricket player Sachin Tendulkar inspires me. He never gave up playing the game, even when the odds were against him.

What is the most rewarding aspect of being a founder?
The fact that I can see my dream becoming a reality in front of my eyes is exciting. Each day is one day closer to taking the novel drug to the patients. The potential impact I can create in the lives of patients with cancer is the rewarding aspect of being a founder.

What was your greatest professional failure, and what did you learn?? 
I learned that team is as important as the idea. You can have the best idea, but it can destroy your company if you don’t have the right team. I chose the wrong team member for the role, and it nearly closed down my company, and it is my greatest professional failure.

What did you want to do with your life at age 12?
I wanted to become a medical doctor, specifically a pediatrician. I enjoyed playing ‘doctor’ with my siblings and remember being very happy when I could cure their ‘imaginary’ diseases.

What is one thing everyone should try at least once?
One should go on a solo trip at least once. It gives a completely different perspective of things and people.


 

---

ABOUT THE PROGRAM
The Venture Leaders Biotech 2023 were chosen from over 70 applications by a jury of investors and technology experts. The roadshow in Boston, the vibrant life science hub, provides a unique opportunity for entrepreneurs to accelerate their startups' expansion in the US while expanding their professional network and profiting from workshops with investors and industry leaders. This year's Venture Leaders Biotech program is organized by Venturelab in partnership with Swissnex Boston and supported by Debiopharm, Novartis, EY - Ernst & Young, VISCHER, EPFL, ETH Zurich, Hansjörg Wyss, and the Swiss Biotech Association.

---