Innovative Companies With Michigan Ties are Deploying AI to Advance the Health Care Industry
Genomenon: Characterizing Genomic Drivers of Genetic Disease
A University of Michigan spin-off based in Ann Arbor, Genomenon is leading the way to curate the vast and growing database of findings about the human genome. With its industry-leading AI search engine, Genomenon can help researchers at the Mayo Clinic and clinical staffs at clients including Henry Ford Health to quickly narrow their search for relevant information about a particular genetic variant to create new therapies or address a specific patient’s needs. As Chief Executive Officer Mike Klein said, “Our whole focus is about making genomic information actionable.”
FirstIgnite: Creating the Connections to Cure Cancer
Founded in 2019, FirstIgnite uses AI software to create partnerships among research scientists, corporations, and health care providers. Among much else, FirstIgnite recently supported the commercialization of cancer treatment molecule research proven to slow tumor growth in small animals and helped advance the discoveries to human trials. As the company says, “Although our founders had no skills in oncology, we learned we could help cure cancer.” The firm has received assistance from the Michigan State University Research Foundation.
CircNova: Developing Therapeutics for ‘Undruggable’ Diseases
CircNova is an early-stage biotechnology company that uses its AI NovaEngine to identify, generate, and design circular RNA for new therapeutics. The company supplies RNA sequences and structures that can be custom manufactured to meet specific client requirements, as well as partner with biopharma companies to co-develop novel therapeutics for diseases such as triple-negative breast cancer for which drug therapies may not be effective. The firm is a member at the Newlab incubator near Ford’s Michigan Central Station.