Overview
SpotitEarly, a biotech startup, has officially launched in the U.S. with a funding of $20.3 million. The company specializes in using artificial intelligence (AI) and trained dogs to detect cancer through an at-home breath test.
Funding Sources
- Menomedin VC
- Jeff Swartz (former CEO of Timberland)
- Avishai Abrahami (CEO of Wix.com)
- Hanaco VC
- Additional grants from the BIRD Foundation
Leadership Appointments
SpotitEarly has appointed several U.S.-based advisors to its board, including:
- Dr. David Sidransky – Expert in molecular genetic cancer detection
- Jonathan Fleming – MIT lecturer and MedTech investor
- Dr. Len Lichtenfeld – Former CEO of the American Cancer Society, now serving as Chief Medical Officer
Technology and Methodology
SpotitEarly’s innovative approach involves:
- Collecting a breath sample using an at-home test.
- Utilizing trained canines to detect volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the breath.
- Employing LUCID AI technology to analyze thousands of data points related to the dogs’ physical and behavioral signals.
The test aims to detect four types of cancer: breast, colorectal, prostate, and lung. A study published in Nature reported a 94% accuracy rate in cancer detection.
Future Plans
SpotitEarly plans to use the funding to:
- Expand its reach in the U.S.
- Enhance its cancer detection technology.
- Open a Series A funding round.
Healthcare Impact
CEO Shlomi Madar highlighted the need for improved cancer screening methods, stating:
“Only 14 percent of the U.S. population is diagnosed with cancer through preventative screening methods; patients often learn of their cancer in emergency rooms. This indicates systemic issues within our healthcare system.”
He emphasized that making early cancer detection more accessible and affordable could significantly improve survival rates.
Market Context
The concept of using canines for cancer detection is not new. The first study on this topic was published in The Lancet in 1989. Recent studies have shown that dogs can effectively detect cancer through their sense of smell, identifying specific VOCs associated with various cancers.