FACIT invests in four Ontario women-led oncology startups

• Virano is developing molecules that dampen the immune system to give virus-based therapies an opportunity to fight cancer cells
• Hyivy Health is a patient-centered medtech company focused on improving improve pelvic health
• Tenomix automates and improves efficiency of lymph node resection following surgery for colorectal cancer
• DTPx is advancing therapeutics to prevent relapse in patients treated for colorectal cancer

FACIT, an oncology-focused commercialization venture capital firm, has invested in four women-led startups: Virano Therapeutics, Hyivy Health, Tenomix and DTPx Therapeutics. No financial terms were disclosed.

Led by Ella Korets-Smith, Virano Therapeutics is developing molecules that dampen the immune system to give virus-based therapies an opportunity to fight cancer cells. The company has its headquarters in Toronto.

Hyivy Health is a Kitchener, Ontario-based, patient-centered medical technology company focused on improving improve pelvic health. Hyivy is led by Rachel Bartholomew.

Led by Dr Eveline Pasman, Tenomix automates and improves efficiency of lymph node resection following surgery for colorectal cancer. The company is based in London, Ontario.

Based in Toronto, DTPx Therapeutics is advancing therapeutics to prevent relapse in patients treated for colorectal cancer. It is led by Dr Sumaiyah Rehman and Dr Catherine O’Brien.

“While we celebrate on this one day [Women’s Entrepreneurship Day], at FACIT we strive everyday to ensure the power of women entrepreneurs and their leadership values will enhance and diversify the economic and patient impact of health innovations,” said Dr Connie Chen, senior director, strategy and corporate strategy at FACIT, in a statement.

Based in Toronto, FACIT was established in 2014 by the Ontario Institute for Cancer Research to support the commercialization of Ontario breakthrough cancer innovations.