CLISTEPROBE is a medical device company that has developed technology for real-time cancer diagnosis during cancer biopsies, focusing on breast cancer and recently expanding to prostate cancer.
Dr. Justina Ugwah is the commercial lead for CLISTEPROBE, formerly known as SMARTProbe, a research project between University College Cork, Tyndall National Institute, and Cork University Hospital.
The company offers real-time cancer diagnosis, eliminating significant clinical backlogs in results, CLISTEPROBE provides fast-track treatment for those with malignant findings while enhancing laboratory testing efficiency.
Overview
Founding Story
Justina Ugwah left her home in Nigeria to explore the opportunities in Ireland. After completing a master’s degree, she decided to pursue a PhD in Sensor & Prototype Development & Clinical Investigation, and CLISTEPROBE was born of this research. ClisteProbe focuses on real-time diagnosis during biopsy procedures by developing a biopsy needle equipped with sensors to detect breast cancer in women.
Justina knew firsthand the devastating effects of breast cancer growing up in Africa. Five of her family friends experienced, suffered from, and ultimately succumbed to the disease. One of these women moved into Justina’s home to shield her own family from witnessing the pain and suffering that breast cancer inflicted on her, leaving a lasting impact on Justina.
CLISTEPROBE’s Journey
Dr. Justina Ugwah partcipated in Enterprise Ireland’s New Frontiers Phase 2 from September 2022-March 2023. The programme is a full-time six month intensive commitment where participants benefit from workshops, mentoring, lunch-and-learns, and regular milestone reviews. This opened many opportunities for CLISTEPROBE including trademarking their name, submitting a UK patent application and pitching to potential investors, connecting them with their US business advisor.
The CLISTEPROBE device is currently supported by the HRB Clinical Research Facility at UCC, UCC innovation, and a breast cancer clinical team at CUH. With patient consent, the device is being tested on excised breast tissue from women at CUH, BreastCheck, and symptomatic patients. Additionally, the device is also being tested on excised prostate tissue at Bon Secours Hospital, Cork.
Currently, the CLISTEPROBE team are compiling their technical dossier for submission to the HPRA and NREC in Q4 2024, seeking approval for a first-in-human breast study of the device.
”"I’ve gained a new family. Especially for someone who is an immigrant, the more networks you have, the better it is being able to run a business”
Dr. Justina UgwahNew Frontiers Phase 2 2022/23
