Invicol GmbH is a biotech start-up located in the CoLaborator of the Bayer AG in Berlin, where we are developing the BM Probe. The Probe is inserted into the patients’ cubital vein for the isolation of rare circulating cells. The minimal invasive approach has a high sensitivity and specificity providing compelling and improved diagnostic value. Our technology opens new possibilities in the field of personalized medicine, early diagnosis and disease monitoring. 

The aim of this project is an optimization of the Probes’ geometry and the validation of the functionality of the BM Probe. An optimized Probe geometry increases the blood volume that is screened by the Probe during its application. This joint project will be cofinanced within the framework by the IBB Pro Fit and European Regional Development Fund.

Funding Program: Pro FIT Projektfinanzierung
Funded by: EFRE
Project duration: 01.07.2018 – 31.12.2020
Cooperation partners: Beuth Hochschule für Technik und Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin

This joint project will be cofinanced within the framework by the IBB Pro Fit and European Regional Development Fund. Together with the Biofluid Mechanics Lab of the Charité Berlin and the University of Potsdam.

Funding Program: Pro FIT Projektfinanzierung
Funding by: EFRE
Project duration: 01.01.2020 – 30.10.2022
Cooperation partner: Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin and University of Potsdam

In contrast to many available products that are based on in vitro methodology the BM Probe isolates cells in vivo. The BM Probe is inserted into the patients’ cubital vein through a catheter or indwelling line. This means that in most cases, no additional punctuation is necessary.

The geometry of the BM Probe was optimized to screen the largest possible volume of blood in the cubital vein. Especially for the isolation of circulating tumor cells this has the potential to detect Circulating Tumor Cells (CTCs) before liquid biopsies can.  

Once the BM Probe is withdrawn, the number of isolated cells can be determined in just over an hour. This procedure is semi-automated and requires little training. Using the BM Probe, downstream molecular diagnostics are possible.

Circulating Endothelial Cells:  

Endothelial cells provide the physical interface between blood and surrounding tissue. They regulate nutrient and blood component traffic. Due to mechanical or chemical reactions Endothelial Cells can detach and enter the blood stream. They are then referred to as circulating endothelial cells (CECs). CECs are low in healthy patients (4 CEC/ml) and increased in patient with Acute Conorary Artery Disease or Heart Failure patients, among others. CECs are therefore considered to be a biomarker to monitor arterial plaque disruption and treatment response.  

Circulating Tumor Cells: 

Circulating Tumor Cells (CTCs) represent a proven diagnostic and prognostic indicator of disease progression. They disintegrate very early from the primary tumor and travel via the blood stream to all parts of the body. This enables an earlier detection of the tumor than by using imaging technology. As is well known, the earlier the cancer is diagnosed, the more likely that it can be effectively treated. Isolating and counting the CTCs using the BM Probe has the potential to improve the effectiveness of treatment.