Karna D Shinde invests in Navaux, early cancer detection technology startup

Karna is instrumental in helping Navaux navigate and build relationships within the Indian healthcare industry

Karna D Shinde has made a significant investment in Navaux, an innovative company based in Arkansas, USA, which is set to transform early cancer detection and treatment monitoring through its groundbreaking blood test, ACTIVH.

India is rapidly emerging as a hub for healthtech innovations. This trend is highlighted by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's recent announcement in the Union Budget 2024-25, which offers relief to cancer patients by exempting three crucial cancer treatment medicines from customs duty. This policy change aims to improve access to essential treatments. Amidst this backdrop, This investment will play a pivotal role in helping Navaux, a company specializing in early cancer detection technology, establish connections within the Indian healthcare industry as they prepare to introduce their cutting-edge solutions to the Indian market.

Navaux's ACTIVH test, developed from preclinical studies, can predict the onset of cancer up to 3-4 years in advance. This early detection capability enables individuals to make crucial lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking or drinking, adopting regular exercise, or eliminating processed foods, to potentially prevent the development of cancer. Furthermore, ACTIVH is a critical tool for patients undergoing cancer treatments, providing real-time insights into the efficacy of chemotherapy, radiation, or other therapies by monitoring Hepsin levels in the blood. A decrease in Hepsin levels indicates effective treatment, while an increase signals the need for alternative therapies.

Karna D Shinde remarked, “Early cancer detection significantly improves survival rates. Navaux's ACTIVH is a boon for patients and their families. Having witnessed the pain of cancer, I am proud that my investment supports a solution for the prevention and early diagnosis of this deadly disease. Determining aggressive cancer development before symptoms arise will lead to longer survival and a better quality of life for patients. Moreover, biomarkers like Hepsin offer the potential for future therapies that are more effective and produce fewer side effects.”

For over a decade, Hepsin has been recognized for its role in prostate cancer progression. Traditional detection methods, targeting the inactivated form of Hepsin, posed challenges. However, Navaux's scientists have successfully identified activated circulating Hepsin in bodily fluids, leading to the creation of the ACTIVH liquid biopsy. This test, now analytically validated, is used to detect early metastasis, stratify risk, and monitor treatment response.  

Don Fowler, CEO of Navaux, emphasized the transformative impact of Karna's investment. “Karna's involvement goes beyond financial support. His insights, dedication, and hands-on approach have been invaluable to our growth. Karna’s commitment to our mission at Navaux is a testament to his belief in our potential. We are incredibly fortunate to have such a dedicated partner."

Navaux's ACTIVH test, quick, easy, and noninvasive, utilizes a simple blood draw to detect elevated Hepsin levels, indicating the presence of tumors. This test not only aids in early detection but also provides insights into tumor characteristics and potential metastasis. ACTIVH is more affordable and accessible than traditional methods, making proactive health management feasible for more individuals.

Navaux is proud to announce that new pre-clinical and clinical data on the prognostic potential of circulating Hepsin will be presented at the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR).

Published on : 25th July, 2024