MultiBiopsy hopes to optimize lung biopsies with new pioneering biopsy gun
MultiBiopsy began as a simple idea that quickly took shape when Kristian Horsager crossed paths with Process- & Innovation Engineer from DTU, William Ludvigsen, who is now cofounder of the organization. The two began the process by firstly identifying how the biopsy gun could be improved and provide better results. That marked the beginning of the development of MultiBiopsy’s innovative biopsy gun which among others will make it easier for lung radiologists to obtain the right tissue sample of especially smaller nodules that can otherwise be very challenging to access.
According to Kristian, we are encountering a future where we will become much better at diagnosing even the smallest changes through, among others, screenings for lung cancer. In connection with this Kristian adds: “It provides great value to develop on the current methods we use for tissue sampling. Both to increase the diagnostic accuracy but also to reduce implications for patients. And last, but not least, to obtain significant health economical savings.”
Today, the biopsy needle itself is the organization’s main focus, as the needle is what provides the biopsy gun with new capabilities. Thus, the organization has recently applied for a patent for the needle. In terms of developing the needle, particularly Caroline Ejlskov Jensen and Victor Tobias Nielsen, who are two mechanical engineer students at Aarhus University, are occupied with its development in connection with their bachelor’s theses.
During the analysis of the biopsy gun, the organization realized that the procedures for tissue sampling varies from hospital to hospital, depending on their personal preferences and cultures. And as MultiBiopsy works with a complex setup, the organization decided to develop a training doll which can train lung radiologists in taking lung biopsies. Thus, Anton Esbjerg, as part of his bachelor’s thesis, developed the early prototype of a training doll which can improve the process for the patient and standardize the process. And that has been very valuable to MultiBiopsy:
"The training doll mimics a chest with moving lungs and imitates a realistic scenario of the scanning and performing of a biopsy. The doll mimics the technical challenges involved in tissue sampling by imitating breathing movements, as the use of the needle requires coordination with patients’ breathing movements. This is especially critical for accurately targeting small and peripherally located nodules."
The three founders of MultiBiopsy: Doctor Kristian Horsager, Consultant Claus Tvedesøe and Engineer William Ludvigtsen.
According to Kristian, MultiBiopsy is still at a very early stage. And to narrow down the broad field, the organization has chosen to firstly focus on biopsies of lungs. Nevertheless, Kristian argues that it can also be used for other organs. Furthermore, Kristian explains that their product will not replace existing products: “The existing products still make very good sense to use. However, for an increasing group of patients, our product would be more beneficial to apply.”
Over the next six months, the organization aims to firstly achieve proof of concept, which will subsequently lay the foundation for developing MultiBiopsy’s actual product.
William Ludvigsen (co-founder), Anton Esbjerg (engineering student) with training dummy, Kristian Horsager (co-founder), Caroline Ejlskov Jensen (mechanical engineering student), Victor Tobias Pedersen (mechanical engineering student), INCUBA Katrinebjerg
The organization is very proud of being among the lucky organizations that have recently received founding from Beta Health. Additionally, it recently joined StartupLab at INCUBA through the Foundation of Innovation’s innofounder-program. And regarding the organization’s new home, William explains:
“It serves as a developmental playground, fostering the essential environment for prototyping, working full-time, and testing our hypotheses. INCUBA offers an inspiring atmosphere and additional motivation. Even with limited resources, one can create something remarkable and challenge themselves over the span of a year. We have also gained invaluable networking opportunities, enabling us to among others pitch at gin and tech. Additionally, it appears highly flexible, with the potential to expand into additional rooms as we grow," he concludes.
Claus Tvedesøe, Kristian Horsager, William Ludvigsen & Jacob Mogensen, Gin & Tech, INCUBA, May 2 2024
‘Our participation in Gin & Tech was a natural extension of our journey here at INCUBA. It was an opportunity to share our vision and passion for MultiBiopsy with an engaged audience of like-minded entrepreneurs, mentors and investors. It was a great experience to get feedback and interest in our project, and it confirms that we are on the right path to create a positive impact in our field,’ concludes Kristian Horsager.