AOA Dx

SVB Innovation in Women’s Health 2025 report shows record investment in core women’s health ($2.6B), but the real story is deeper: women’s health is evolving into a well-funded, multidimensional ecosystem tackling some of medicine’s most critical unmet needs. AOA Dx is proud to be featured in the report's 2024 Notable Deals and Women’s Health Market Map for our work in ovarian cancer—an area where innovation has long lagged, despite its devastating impact. We’re building the first early detection platform designed specifically for this space, bringing modern science to a historically overlooked disease. As investors and healthcare leaders realize that vast landscape of opportunity in women's health, companies like AOA are leading a new wave of targeted, scalable solutions. https://lnkd.in/g98Avcmq

We are so excited to have our work featured on CBS Health Watch! Thank you Kelly Werthmann for taking the time to learn more about our work with Dr. Kian Behbahkt, Benjamin Bitler and their team at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus. Their work as part of the Ovarian Cancer Innovations Group at CU and their collaboration with AOA has been pivotal to the advancement of our early detection ovarian cancer test. "AOA's early detection tool is like finding smoke before the fire. Not only can they see the smoke, they can actually pick out components of that smoke well before anything that looks like smoke is seen. This is exciting because it will translate into lives saved and women don't die from this horrible disease." - Dr. Behbahkt "We were able to profile these 500 patient samples (from the University of Colorado) to understand biomarker profiles and see what specific biomarkers are present in early stage disease, and how to be to able to differentiate that from those women who are healthy or those women who have benign conditions," - Anna Milik Jeter Check out the full article and segment here: https://lnkd.in/dwVWZ_mU #ovariancancer #womenshealth #cancer #earlydetection #biotech

A new study in JAMA Network Open reveals that current CA-125 thresholds (the most commonly used biomarker for ovarian cancer) may be failing Black patients. Researchers found that Black patients had lower median CA-125 levels compared to White patients across all stages of ovarian cancer. This means using standard thresholds, despite demographic background, could delay diagnosis and treatment for many Black women, contributing to disparities in outcomes. This study highlights the urgent need for more inclusive research and diagnostics that reflect the diversity of real-world patient populations. At AOA Dx, we're developing a novel multi-omic test for ovarian cancer with the goal of improving early detection for all patients. Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/d3hX-SiC

This week, several of AOA investors came to visit our Denver HQ! We are proud to partner with you and greatly appreciate your support, guidance, and commitment to being on this journey with us to make early detection a reality for ovarian cancer patients. ft: Oriana Papin-Zoghbi Anna Milik Jeter Alice Zheng Foreground Capital Surbhi Sarna Samuel Scofield Good Growth Capital Victoria Pettibone Astia John Friedman Russell Grant

AOA Dx is growing! We are seeking an experienced and strategic Program Director / Project Leader to drive the development of our next-generation in vitro diagnostic (IVD) product from concept to commercialization! This individual will lead a cross-functional team spanning R&D, manufacturing, quality, regulatory, clinical, and marketing/commercial functions to ensure seamless integration across all phases of product development. This role requires a strong background in diagnostics, program leadership, and product development, as well as a deep understanding of the IVD regulatory landscape. Learn more about the role here: https://lnkd.in/di8QFx9C

Ovarian cancer patients deserve more timely and effective care. Rachel was placed on a 9-month waiting list for the removal of what was initially believed to be a benign cyst. Tragically, it turned out to be ovarian cancer. "Her first symptom was extreme fatigue." "I felt like I was 70 years old. I had to sleep as soon as I got home from work just to make it through the evening." When bloating followed, Rachel sought medical attention. An ultrasound revealed a mass on her ovary. Despite this, she was reassured that it was likely benign. Early detection is crucial to identify and address any suspicious masses. At AOA Dx, we work every day to make this a reality.

AOA Dx is excited to announce that this weekend at the Society of Gynecologic Oncology Annual Conference in Seattle, our co-founder Anna Milik Jeter and Chief Scientific Officer Abigail McElhinny presented our latest data! The data demonstrate how AOA's innovative multi-omic assay, leveraging novel lipids, effectively differentiates ovarian cancer (across all stages) from non-cancers in a complex symptomatic population. This advancement truly has the potential to transform early detection of ovarian cancer and we can't wait to share more with you soon. Stay tuned!

This week, our CEO + Co-Founder Oriana Papin-Zoghbi spoke on the panel "All-In: Global & Homegrown Companies Colorado Proud" at the 2025 Life Sciences Conference & Expo alongside: Michael Tranmer - Senior Vice President and General Manager, Boulder Facility, AGC Biologics, Sally Dyer - SVP, General Manager, Colorado Operations, Umoja Biopharma Derek Kronberg, BCT - VP Global Process Engineering, Terumo Blood and Cell Technologies Joel Basken, PhD - Director of Operations, Enveda Biosciences Sid Dixon - Senior Director, Tenant Advisory Group, Cushman & Wakefield The panel centered around homegrown Colorado companies and companies relocating to Colorado from the coasts are investing in new labs and manufacturing facilities, drawing on the states’ scientific community, and building the next generation of the industry’s workforce. 🎉

At AOA Dx, we echo the World Economic Forum's recent call for increased investments in women's health diagnostics to drive health equity. 30 years after the 1995 Beijing Declaration, significant barriers remain, including access to accurate diagnostics. Despite diagnostics influencing 70% of clinical decisions, less than 5% of healthcare spending is allocated to it. As we develop our early detection test for ovarian cancer, we aim to reduce disparities and improve outcomes for all women. We must prioritize investment in women's health diagnostics to ensure timely, equitable care for all!

This weekend our CSO Abigail McElhinny and CRO Anna Milik Jeter will be at the Society of Gynecologic Oncology Annual meeting! Don't miss our poster presentation on March 16th. Details below ⬇️