Dxcover – life sciences spin out from Strathclyde University
Dxcover - groundbreaking approach to cancer detection
Founded by Professor Matt Baker, Dr Holly Butler, Dr Mark Hegarty, and Dr David Palmer, Dxcover Limited (formerly ClinSpec Dx) is a University of Strathclyde spin-out developing a groundbreaking blood serum test for the early detection of cancer.
With an initial focus on brain cancer, Dxcover’s technology uses infrared light and proprietary algorithms to rapidly analyse patient blood samples, enabling same-day diagnosis. This innovation addresses critical gaps in cancer detection—38% of patients with persistent headaches see their GP five times before being referred for a brain scan, leading to 60% of malignant brain tumours being diagnosed as emergencies with poor survival rates.
By reducing unnecessary brain scans, the test provides cost savings for the NHS while ensuring faster referrals and better patient outcomes. Beyond brain cancer, Dxcover is expanding its diagnostics to other hard to detect cancers, such as pancreatic cancer, with potential applications in non-clinical sectors such as pharmaceutical testing.
The founding team’s expertise spans biomedical research, spectroscopy, and data science.
Their work has positioned Dxcover as a leader in next-generation diagnostic technology, earning multiple innovation awards and recognition as a high-potential early-stage company.
Recognised as a high-potential early-stage company, Dxcover has won multiple awards, including the 2019 Scottish Life Sciences Innovation Award and the 2018 Higgs EDGE Special Award. With its efficient, accessible, and cost-effective approach, Dxcover is set to revolutionise cancer diagnostics worldwide.
Commenting on the potential impact of Dxcover, Professor Paul Brennan, Reader in Neurosurgery, Consultant Neurosurgeon, University of Edinburgh, and member of the Dxcover scientific advisory board said:
“Brain tumour diagnosis is difficult, because the most common symptoms are not specific to brain tumours. A non-cancer diagnosis is more likely, and this contributes to diagnostic delay. The Dxcover test will support primary care doctors to identify which of these patients are most likely to have a brain tumour and should be referred for rapid brain imaging. This will be transformative for both patients and doctors.”