McMaster spin-off Afynia Laboratories has received another $5 million in seed funding to advance its blood test for endometriosis, the latest exciting milestone for the company led by Lauren Foster and Jocelyn Wessels. 

At the beginning of 2024, Afynia closed a $2-million round of pre-seed funding to develop and begin bringing the test to market, backed by Capital Angel Network (CAN), SOSV, Gaingels, Aventura and the McMaster Seed Fund.  

The new funding was led by life sciences research firm and clinical diagnostic manufacturer Bio-Rad, with participation from new investor, Impact America Fund, and existing investors SOSV, Gaingels, Canadian Angel Network and Aventura.  

“Now we have the financial resources to enter a growth phase and to add other people to the team, so we don’t have to wear so many hats,” says Foster, a professor emeritus in the department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology. 

Back when Wessels was a PhD student in Foster’s lab, they identified a number of diagnostic markers for endometriosis.  

Then COVID-19 hit and Foster retired. “Jocelyn knew that I couldn’t stay retired and suggested that we form a company,” Foster says.  

“After two weeks of retirement, I thought it was a great idea.” 

“We have been going at a sprint ever since, transitioning from academics to businesspeople and learning that’s not an easy process. It’s been a lot of fun along the way, and we’ve surrounded ourselves with people who complement our expertise.” 

The team plans to bring their EndomiR test to market in Canada as soon as this summer and to the Unites States next year.  

It will be the first non-invasive diagnostic tool for endometriosis on the market, speeding up diagnosis and treatment. 

How it works 

In endometriosis, tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus, causing chronic, often debilitating, pelvic pain and fertility issues.  

It can take up to 10 years of doctor appointments and invasive tests for a diagnosis, affecting fertility and access to treatment for the pain.  

EndomiR is a blood test that compares the expression levels of a panel of microRNAs — tiny segments of genetic material — with those from surgically confirmed cases of endometriosis.  

The EndomiR test reports results within days.  

Right now, a physician needs to order the EndomiR blood test in a lab, but Afynia plans to eventually provide an at-home test.  

An ecosystem of innovation 

In 2022, the McMaster Seed Fund was Afynia’s earliest investor, at just under $500,000.  

“They were at the super early stage, just the two co-founders pushing forward to get this test out,” says Leigh Wilson, associate director of new ventures at the McMaster Industry Liaison Office.  

“Our investment committee of external investors was very enthusiastic about the founders, the science and the high potential of the market. It’s very exciting to see that one of our investees has multiplied our investment twenty-fold.” 

The company also took advantage of the resources offered through the Forge, joining its Business Incubator program in 2022.  

“They leaned into the mentorship opportunities and resources available at the Forge, which is what we hope for our incubator clients, and why we’re here—to support their growth,” says Business Incubator manager Lauren Brown.  

“We’re thrilled that they have secured this funding to help bring this much-needed test to market, revolutionizing the care for those struggling to receive a diagnosis for endometriosis.” 

Foster says she is thankful for the support.  

“After standing in front of the classroom for 30 years and lecturing people, all of a sudden, I had to be the student,” she says.  

“I needed to learn about leadership, management and communication skills. We had to explore the entire process of the business world. The people at the Forge and within the McMaster Industry Liaison Office have been extremely helpful as we moved from disclosure to patent through to where we are today.” 

Connect with McMaster’s entrepreneurship community and meet Foster, Wessels and other startup founders at the second annual Made at Mac celebration on March 31. Click here to register or learn more.