Since it began three years ago, San Antonio based Seno Medical Instruments, a cancer-focused company, has been actively making its way forward in the development of their patented opto–acoustics technology and has now paved new roads for the future of diagnostic imaging and treatment technology. Janet Campbell, Chairman and CEO and Ron Branstetter, President and COO, founded Seno Medical on the technology of opto–acoustic imaging.
According to Seno’s Web site, the opto–acoustic imaging process begins by sending short laser light pulses into the tissue. Tumors absorb the light and become slightly expanded.The heat–induced expansions emit a pressure (acoustic) wave. Sensors receive the sound waves, which are then analyzed, and a high–contrast, high–resolution image is produced.
What makes Seno’s opto–acoustic technology so groundbreaking is that, according to Campbell, it is the newest functional information technology developed in 30 years.
The most significant advantage to Seno’s opto–acoustic technology is that the imaging does not require the use of contrast agents, x–ray or radioisotopes, which can be harmful to patients. The current imaging technology available to doctors, PET and MRI, requires these invasive processes.
Opto–acoustic imaging creates higher–resolution imaging in a non–invasive procedure that produces these results in real time.
In 2008, Seno Medical completed their small animal imaging research device built specifically for cancer research and in October 2008 successfully licensed the technology to the Toronto Canada–based company Visual Sonics.
With the development of this ground breaking opto–acoustic technology and the establishment of research partnerships and licensing agreement with Visual Sonics, Seno Medical Instruments was awarded the Frost & Sullivan 2009 Award for Emerging Company of the Year in the North American Medical Imaging industry.
Frost & Sullivan’s official award statement said, “The company’s technology offers high reliability and superior image resolution that can be applied within a broad spectrum of preclinical imaging applications such as cardiovascular and oncology. The non–invasive, real–time imaging technology can be used to detect and monitor biological structure and function (i.e. angiogenesis activity) at the subcellular level, and as such, extends functional imaging capabilities beyond today’s limitations.”
Campbell said they were all pleased whey they were contacted about winning this prestigious award. She had told the Seno team that nomination alone was huge prestige. When they were notified it signified an important moment for the company.
“This award was a team effort it wasn’t the work of just a few people,” Campbell said. “It was an award for the whole company.” Campbell added, “Third pary endorsement is very valuable to our company.”
Now that Seno has licensed its small–animal imaging model, they have begun work on technology that can be used on a diagnostic level focusing on breast cancer.
According to Seno, their product will be used, “as an adjunct to mammogram incorporating opto–acoustics and ultra sound, offering more useful information to the physical and patient.”
Campbell says that they are already in talks with companies about other strategic opportunities in both core and non–core areas. She credits the recent successful licensing agreement with Visual Sonics for attention they have gained.
As a San Antonio–based company this growth and recognition of Seno has and will continue to have a significant effect on the medical community. And Campbell has no intention of taking her company elsewhere.
She said Seno’s technology is a platform and can be used not only for cancer but also cardiovascular, stroke and inflammatory diseases.
Campbell said “Seno’s growth will provide new job opportunities and opens new talent pools.
“We have a large number of physicians we are working with,”Campbell said. Dr. Charles Coltman, MD, a local Oncologist, is on their Scientific Advisory Committee.
“The Cancer Therapy Research Center (CTRC) here is San Antonio will most likely be selected as one of our clinical sites for the FDA trial.”
Campbell is not only proud to be San Antonio based, she also hopes to give back to the Alamo City.
“As a young company, we are striving to make that kind of contribution as we develop,” Campbell said.
The offices of Seno Medical are small but filled with smiles and the air filled with pride. It is clear they are proud of their company and the accomplishments that have now been nationally recognized. Campbell said the sense of pride and honor of being recognized has given them additional motivation they need to press forward to the next step.
Ron Branstetter, President and COO, is a co–founder of Seno Medical Instruments, Inc. He has a BS in Electrical Engineering and an MS in Mechanical Engineering from Oklahoma State University, along with an MBA from the University of Texas at San Antonio.
Seno Medical Instruments, Inc., a San Antonio–based medical device developer, is commercializing the opto-acoustic technology for the earliest detection of cancer. Seno’s platform technology also addresses medical applications such as stroke, cardiovascular and inflammatory diseases
