Glycanscan International BV Secures Strategic Investment from Pharma Connect Capital to Revolutionize Early Detection of Esophageal Cancer

Glycanscan International BV, a pioneering company in molecular imaging for oncology, today announced a significant investment from Pharma Connect Capital (PCC) to accelerate the development of its groundbreaking technology for the early detection of gastrointestinal diseases, including esophageal adenocarcinoma.

Based in Heerenveen, Glycanscan is transforming the field of cancer diagnostics with its innovative approach to molecular imaging. Founded by a team of scientists and clinicians, the company is focused on advancing cutting-edge imaging techniques and novel tracers that can detect cancer at its earliest, most treatable stages.

The funding from Pharma Connect Capital will support in-vivo clinical evaluation of Glycanscan’s patent-pending molecular tracer, which has shown promising results in early testing. In collaboration with the University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG) and Professor Wouter Nagengast MD, PhD, the company aims to launch the first human clinical trials of this breakthrough technology, designed to detect esophageal adenocarcinoma—a cancer with a five-year survival rate of just 20%.

Preclinical studies have demonstrated the potential of Glycanscan’s molecular tracer, in combination with fluorescence imaging, to identify cancerous and precancerous lesions in the esophagus with remarkable accuracy. This early detection could dramatically improve patient outcomes by enabling intervention before the disease progresses to an advanced stage.

Jan Hendriks, Managing Director of Pharma Connect Capital, commented, “We are excited to support Glycanscan in its mission to revolutionize cancer diagnostics. The company’s innovative technology, in partnership with UMCG, is aligned with our vision to invest in breakthrough solutions that have the potential to transform healthcare. We believe this investment will play a key role in changing the treatment options and prognosis for esophageal cancer patients and setting a new standard for early detection.”

John Baeten, co-founder and CEO of Glycanscan International, added, “This funding marks a critical milestone for Glycanscan. PCC’s expertise and network will be instrumental in advancing our technology into human clinical trials. This investment will help us unlock the full potential of our diagnostic platform, paving the way for future commercialization and large-scale implementation. We are on the verge of making a real impact in the fight against esophageal cancer.”

Glycanscan’s mission is to not only improve cancer survival rates through earlier detection but to redefine how the medical community approaches molecular diagnostics. The company is committed to transforming oncology imaging into a cornerstone of precision medicine, empowering clinicians to make faster, more accurate diagnoses.

Pharma Connect Capital B.V. is an investment fund that supports pharmaceutical companies in the Northern part of The Netherlands with capital from Investerings Fonds Groningen; Hanzeborg BV (UMCG); NV NOM; Ir. G.J. Smid Fonds and RUG Ventures.