Micronoma is a Cancer Diagnostic company.
LifeSci
Micronoma
Meet Micronoma
Startup out of UC San Diego, Center for Microbiome Innovation. We are developing and commercializing an early-stage cancer detection method using liquid biopsy and microbial biomarkers.
Why is your company the best option to solve the problem you're solving?
Unlike most liquid biopsies which are focusing on somatic or tumoral mutation, we are focusing on non-human microbial signature in the blood which are very specific for different cancer types. Our method is very sensitive and specific because we are not looking at a few markers but a community of markers.
What nuggets of info make you interesting? Why do people care about what you're doing?
Cancer is killing 9 millions people every year. 4 millions could be save if a robust early detection method which is easy to comply with was available. We rely on a minimally invasive method: one simple blood draw, to get this information...
What else do you want us to know?
The 3 co-founders of Micronoma (Rob Knight, Greg Poore and Sandrine Miller-Montgomery) are serious Microbiome geeks. Be prepared to hear that humans are not the center of the universe (beside Sandrine, because she is French so obviously...)... But seriously, be nice to the microbes, most of them are the reason we are alive, yes, even during a SARS-CoV-2 pandemic!
BEHIND THE COMPANY
CEO/Founder: Sandrine Miller-Montgomery
What one book, podcast, newsletter, etc. do you recommend to other entrepreneurs? Why?
Neither book nor podcast, but an essential tool: a "sanity board". If you don't know what it is, it is a sounding board but that makes sure to not sugarcoat it while keeping you on track and giving you the strength you need when times get tough... I found my daily Sanity Board... He doesnt know the science but he sure know how to keep me sane!
What is your company's secret sauce?
Patent pending method to use non-human markers to detect cancer
What inspired you to start/run this company?
I went into science to make a major difference in the world. This is an opportunity to do just this so despite the challenges I had to do it!
What's the best entrepreneurial advice you've received?
Don't fundraise for a start-up not infectious disease-related during a pandemic... and don't listen to people who tell you to not do something... In short, follow your gut and persist...
What's the worst entrepreneurial advice you've received?
"Don't do it, this will not work and you are asking way too much" - coming from someone who had never done it and was clearly afraid of a big ask
What sets your company culture apart?
We are a team of veterans of Microbiome and Life Sciences / Biotech. We are really cool bunch of people who know how to work hard and still have fun!
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