Participated · Series B · Jul 2016

Vigilant Biosciences develops point-of-care and lab-based products for early detection and intervention of oral cancer. Its OncAlert Oral Cancer product line and OncAlert Labs product line include CE‑marked lab and rapid tests available in select international markets. The company’s patented technology measures soluble CD44 and total protein levels in an oral rinse, biomarkers clinically validated for oral cancer. The OraMark Test is offered as a Laboratory Developed Test (LDT) in the U.S. exclusively through OncAlert Labs, a CLIA‑certified laboratory within the Vigilant family. Led by Founder, Chairman, and CEO Matthew H.J. Kim, the company is based in Ft. Lauderdale, FL. Recent financing will fund expansion of commercial and development efforts and continued research and development of additional products. Vigilant Biosciences is a Miami-based provider of solutions for the early detection and intervention of cancer, initially launching the OncAlert Oral Cancer Risk Assessment System. OncAlert is based on patented technology that detects specific protein markers known to indicate an elevated risk for oral cancer prior to observable visual or physical symptoms. The system comprises a rapid point-of-care test and a lab assay intended for use in every adult, with emphasis on high-risk populations (current and former tobacco users, alcohol consumers, and people with HPV). Both the rapid test and the lab assay were undergoing the CE Mark registration approval process and were expected for release in Q2 2015. The company completed a $5.5M Series B and has raised $7.8M in total to date; it plans to use the funds for CE Mark and U.S. regulatory approval, international product launch and commercialization of OncAlert, and other pipeline products. The company is led by Founder, Chairman and CEO Matthew H.J. Kim. Vigilant Biosciences develops a low-cost, rinse-and-spit oral cancer risk assessment test that produces immediate color changes in the presence of proteins associated with early-onset oral cancer. The company’s initial products are development-stage oral cancer–specific kits intended for broad adult screening, with emphasis on tobacco users, alcohol consumers, and people with HPV. Proceeds from the recent financing will support 510(k) clearance and CE Mark approval efforts and preparation for an international product launch. Vigilant also intends to simultaneously advance other products in its pipeline. The company positions its tests as tools to identify cancers earlier than visual detection, aiming to improve survival rates and reduce healthcare costs. Financially, Vigilant completed an oversubscribed Series A and received additional loan proceeds to fund regulatory and launch activities.