AOA Dx & LongeVC: Saving Lives Through the Early Detection of Ovarian Cancer

According to the American Cancer Society, ovarian cancer ranks fifth in deaths among women. It accounts for more deaths than any other female reproductive system cancer. There is a 1 in 78 chance that a woman will be diagnosed with ovarian cancer in their lifetime and a 1 in 108 chance of dying from ovarian cancer. Thousands of parents, children, friends and loved ones die of the disease every year. Thankfully, technology is here to help change that narrative. 

With teams in Boston, New York and London, AOA Dx is focused on developing cutting-edge cancer diagnostics in the field of women’s health, including a liquid biopsy test for early-stage diagnosis of ovarian cancer. The blood test will diagnose by detecting tumor biomarkers and has shown promising results in preliminary testing for both pre and postmenopausal individuals. 

Early detection of ovarian cancer is rare, making this liquid biopsy a potential game-changer. Unfortunately, due to a lack of tests and non-specific symptoms, there is no good way to screen for tumors and start treatment before the disease spreads. Ovarian tumors are nearly impossible to detect until they are in their advanced stages. However, about 94% of patients live longer than five years when ovarian cancer is detected early–AOA’s liquid biopsy is expected to help reduce ovarian cancer deaths by half. 

On top of the liquid biopsy, AOA works to bring research out of the laboratory and into the hands of practitioners and patients. What good is a breakthrough, after all, if it never gets to the people who need it most? 

We have always believed in supporting companies and projects that are building the future of the biotech industry. AOA Dx does just that, building tech that will lay the foundation for improvement in diagnostics. We look forward to playing a role in funding their mission as part of their $5M round and advancing the availability of life-saving medical technologies.