Ms. Banzola, Mr. Eberli, you have founded the ONTRACK Biomedical spin-off and are developing a test for early detection of prostate cancer. Why is this kind of test needed?

Daniel Eberli: Prostate cancer is the most common type of cancer among men in Switzerland, with over 7,000 new cases and around 1,000 deaths a year. This is why many men are advised to have the so-called PSA test to measure prostate-specific antigen (PSA), because a prostate tumor releases more PSA into the blood. But it can sometimes lead to incorrect and unnecessary diagnoses. Raised PSA levels in the blood may also be due to something other than prostate cancer. So you cannot rely on the PSA value alone. These days, the “Stockholm3” test is also available, a genetic test that is more nuanced than PSA. Where cancer is suspected, however, further investigations in the form of an MRI scan and the taking of a tissue sample (biopsy) are also indicated. This can be very tough for patients. What we have been missing so far is a simple test that provides us with meaningful information.

Irina Banzola: Then you also have the fact that men are generally so bad at coming forward for screening. Investigations involving MRI scans and biopsies also make people anxious. These are the reasons we are working on developing a test procedure that estimates the risk of prostate cancer precisely and simply, and without any fuss. With our test, we can do something decisive for men’s health.

What prompted you to develop a new diagnostic test?

Banzola: I’ve always been interested in cancer research, Following my PhD in Bologna, I first worked on cancer during my postdoc years at University Hospital Zurich. I find urology interesting, partly because my father had a problem in this area. I then got to know Professor Eberli at University Hospital Zurich, who is in charge of the Department of Urology. For me, as someone involved in pure research, it was critical to be involved in a clinical department, as you have that contact with patients and get to understand problems in a practical setting. Also, I always wanted to do something that patients would benefit from directly.

Eberli: Irina and I have discussed many medical questions and touched on various problems. This has led to us working together. For me, urology is one of the most fascinating areas of medicine; partly because we work with the latest technological developments, from laser technology to robotics, but also because our patients are really interesting too. They are generally older men, well-developed personalities, who often impress with their special life wisdom. The exchange with them, also beyond medical topics, is always enriching and fascinating for me.

What exactly does your newly developed urine test do?

Eberli: Our test is intended for mass use and can be performed both quickly and with little effort. Mass screening can only really take two forms, with either breath or urine being analyzed. Because these involve little effort and no pain for the patients during the collection. We opted for urine, as this contains lots of messenger substances from the prostate. The test we are developing is user-friendly and easy to work with: the man provides a urine sample, which is used to identify specific proteins that may raise the possibility of cancer. This test is very easy to perform – a family doctor could do it, for example – and then referred to the lab. Our test incorporates three threshold values that are very sensitive, so if the test is negative, the patient will not actually have a tumor in 99.9 percent of cases. The results are displayed in a simple color-based scheme: green, amber, and red. Green means the man has no tumor, amber means he may have a low-grade tumor and should see his doctor, while red means he should undergo a biopsy.

How did you identify the decisive messenger substances?

Banzola: Urine contains many metabolites and other substances. The clever bit is to filter out important biomarkers for prostate cancer from this mix. We achieved this, to sensational effect, in the course of a study. Once we had discovered two significant biomarkers with the help of mass spectrometry, I thought the development of an ELISA (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay) to measure these biomarkers in urine would be a very simple process. But it turned out to be extremely complicated, because urine can block antibodies, so the target proteins cannot be identified. A urine ELISA involves an immunological process that is used to identify specific molecules in urine samples. It is based on antibodies binding to specific antigens that may be present in the sample. In order for an ELISA to work in urine, the antibodies must show a very high affinity for the target protein and must not be pH-sensitive either. Our team has great experience in developing such antibodies both quickly and efficiently.

What were the reasons for creating a spin-off?

Eberli: We decided to set one up as a critical mass had been reached in terms of know-how: we had Irina with her skill at identifying proteins, the other colleagues in our team are antibody specialists, and I’m the clinician. Together, we had the interdisciplinary brain power to push ahead with the project. Our test offers another significant advantage too: it would be very cheap. Given all this, we decided to set up a company two years ago, with a view to bringing the test to market in the not-too-distant future.

Banzola: We managed to get some good results in an initial study, and this year we will have Daniel Eberli carry out a second, evidence-based study with a larger group of 300 patients from the Department of Urology at the University Hospital Zurich.

Apart from the men concerned, who also might benefit from your test?

Eberli: If the ONTRACK test shows green, no further tests are needed. This helps save valuable resources in patient care by avoiding unnecessary follow-up examinations and reducing the number of costly procedures such as MRI scans and biopsies. This is our vision. With this simple test, we want to remove inhibitions and ensure only men who actually have a problem are treated.

Who would take over distribution once the definitive test has been developed?

Banzola: We will probably enter a partnership with a major diagnostics firm, as these have powerful structures in place for marketing purposes. Ultimately, the goal is to provide as many men as possible with access to the tests and thus reduce the mortality rate.

Mass spectrometry:
A technique for identifying and analyzing molecules based on their mass

PSA value (prostate-specific antigen):
A blood value that measures a special protein formed in the prostate

Urine ELISA (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay):
An immunological process that is used to identify specific molecules in urine samples

From research to marketability: Zurich offers ideal conditions for successful spin-offs

The founding of a spin-off typically involves a transition from pure research to commercialization, something that presents a considerable challenge. This process involves developing a marketable application or product based on the results of research. It includes aspects such as product development, market analysis, business modeling, financing, legal framework conditions, and setting up a fully operational business. These hurdles need to be cleared in order to turn a scientific idea into a successful commercial enterprise.

Targeted support improves competitiveness

To help close the gap between scientific research and use in practice, University Medicine Zurich (UMZH) is offering interested spin-offs an opportunity to improve their competitiveness with the Translational Medicine Accelerator (TMA.) If the development process receives professional support and is therefore accelerated, this can give medical innovations a better chance of succeeding on the market. The TMA offers tailored advice, business courses, and mentoring, and connects company founders with relevant parties from industry and also investors. The UZH Life Sciences Fund is particularly worthy of mention. This provides specific financial support for spin-offs to help them develop their business strategy and successfully scale up their projects.

The TMA has supported almost 100 projects over the past three years. An important role is also played by SPARK ZURICH, a mentoring network supported by the TMA, which is based on the successful program with the same name, run by Stanford University in the USA. Founder teams are able to present their projects and plans and benefit from feedback given by a range of external experts.

Zurich as a unique place for business and commerce

The city itself, as a location, offers ideal conditions for innovative life sciences companies that are looking to build a successful business. And as Switzerland’s business hub, the «Greater Zurich Area» certainly impresses with its high density of small biotech companies, established industry partners, and leading-edge laboratory infrastructure. The region also offers access to the «Swissmedic Innovation Office,» which supports innovations in the area of medical devices and medicines. The promotion of spin-offs not only facilitates the emergence of innovative companies, but also creates highly skilled jobs. The proximity to leading universities and renowned university hospitals is another big draw. The close collaboration with leading global research facilities and access to international markets are of particular interest to investors.
By helping to fuel this dynamic innovation landscape, University Medicine Zurich is making a considerable contribution toward strengthening Zurich’s position as a leading center for medical innovations. This ultimately results in a significant improvement in healthcare provision and emphasizes Zurich’s key role in the global life sciences sector.

Contact for researchers who would like to found their own spin-off:

TMA (Translational Medicine Accelerator UMZH)
Moussonstrasse 15
8044 Zurich

Michio Painter: E-Mail
Liliane Brunner Halbach: E-Mail

Innovation Hub at the University of Zurich