Afynia, a biotech spin-out from McMaster University, has raised $5 million in seed funding to commercialize its EndomiR microRNA-based blood test for endometriosis.
The round was led by Bio-Rad Laboratories, with participation from Impact America Fund, SOSV, Capital Angel Network, and Gaingels.
Revolutionizing Endometriosis Diagnosis
Endometriosis affects nearly 200 million people worldwide, yet diagnosing it can take seven to ten years due to reliance on invasive procedures like laparoscopic surgery. Afynia’s EndomiR test offers a non-invasive alternative by analyzing microRNA biomarkers in blood samples, reducing diagnostic times and allowing faster access to treatment.
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How EndomiR Works
- Uses AI-driven algorithms to compare microRNA levels in blood samples.
- Identifies markers related to inflammation, nerve growth, and blood vessel formation—key indicators of endometriosis.
- Provides a more reliable and stable diagnostic method than protein-based tests.
Clinical Validation & Regulatory Pathway
Afynia is currently undergoing clinical validation in Canada, with plans to launch by summer 2025, followed by a U.S. expansion in early 2026.
Co-founder Dr. Lauren Foster, a former McMaster professor, emphasized the impact:
“By replacing invasive diagnostics with a simple blood test, we can significantly reduce the time to diagnosis and improve patient outcomes.”
Future Expansion & Women’s Health Innovation
Beyond endometriosis, Afynia is developing a pipeline of microRNA-based tests for other women’s health conditions, leveraging its expertise in AI-powered molecular diagnostics.
With $6.5M raised to date, Afynia is positioned to transform women’s healthcare, making endometriosis diagnosis faster, more accessible, and more reliable.
