Ace Angel Investor Karna D Shinde Funds Navaux’s Cancer Detection Technology

Early-stage angel investor Karna D. Shinde has invested undisclosedly in the life science startup Navaux, situated in Arkansas, USA.

Using a state-of-the-art blood test known as ACTIVH, Navaux specializes in early cancer identification and treatment tracking.

“Determining aggressive cancer development before symptoms arise will lead to longer survival and a better quality of life for patients,” said Karna D. Shinde. Furthermore, biomarkers such as Hepsin hold promise for more potent and side-effect-free medicines in the future.

The transformational effect of Karna’s investment was highlighted by Don Fowler, CEO of Navaux. “Karna’s assistance extends beyond monetary contributions. His practical approach, commitment, and insightfulness have been vital to our development.

“This investment will play a pivotal role in helping Navaux establish connections within the Indian healthcare industry as they prepare to introduce their cutting-edge solutions to the Indian market,” a statement from Navaux stated.

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Based on comprehensive preclinical research, Navaux’s ACTIVH test can forecast the beginning of cancer up to three to four years ahead of time. People can potentially prevent the development of cancer by making important lifestyle adjustments thanks to this early discovery.

Hepsin’s significance in the advancement of prostate cancer has been recognized for more than ten years. Conventional detection techniques that focused on the inactive form of hepsin presented difficulties. Nonetheless, Navaux’s researchers have discovered circulating activated Hepsin in physiological fluids, which has resulted in the development of the ACTIVH liquid biopsy. This test is used to assess therapy response, stratify risk, and detect early metastases; it has now been analytically validated. 

Using a simple blood draw, Navaux’s ACTIVH test looks for high Hepsin levels, which are indicative of tumor existence. This test offers information about the features of the tumor and its propensity for metastasis in addition to helping with early detection. The announcement also stated that “ACTIVH is more accessible and affordable than traditional methods, making proactive health management feasible for more individuals.”

India is quickly becoming a center for advancements in health technology. The vision is demonstrated by the recent declaration made by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in the Union Budget 2024–25, which provides assistance to cancer sufferers by waiving customs duties on three essential medications used in cancer treatment. The goal of this policy reform is to make necessary therapies more accessible and affordable.

Setting this background aside, the experts said, “This investment will play a pivotal role in helping Navaux, a company that specialises in early cancer detection technology, establish connections within the Indian healthcare industry as they prepare to introduce their cutting-edge solutions to the Indian market.”