Phagoflux specialises in the development of innovative sensing technologies that facilitate the measurement of autophagy, a very important function for cell health. Leading the Phagoflux team is Prof Ben Loos, Professor of Physiological Sciences at the Faculty of Science, Stellenbosch University. The Phagoflux team is comprised of eight highly skilled professionals with diverse backgrounds in life sciences, physiology, electric and electronic engineering, as well as clinical work. This multidisciplinary team brings a wealth of expertise to the organisation. Currently, Phagoflux has three dedicated full-time employees who work passionately towards its mission.
Where it all started
Established in 2020, Phagoflux builds upon over a decade of work in this field. The inspiration behind the business was fuelled by the major challenge to measure the self-cleaning ability – autophagy – of bodily cells with high precision and accuracy. “This has been and remains a major bottleneck, that limits not only the research field but also the development of drugs, diagnostics and importantly, translation into the clinic. The idea was born sequentially. When we understood how to measure autophagy in single cells, using high-end microscopy, we immediately wished to take this work to the next level, to develop sensing technologies that could simplify the process,” says Prof Loos.
How does it work?
“When autophagy declines or becomes dysfunctional, the risk for the onset of age-associated diseases increases. We can compare autophagy with the cell’s very own cleaning system, to take out the trash and remove toxic material. When cells can’t do that properly, the toxic material builds up, and the cells become sick and die,” says Prof Loos. “The diseases implicated include Alzheimer’s disease, but also cancer and cardiovascular disease. Our technology allows the rapid and accurate measuring of autophagy, which we would like to make available globally to the research and pharma market, and thereafter also the diagnostic and wellness market.”
Celebrating every step along the way
“I am very proud of the team, the hard work done, the coming together of the various skills and expertise, the strong relationships and the pulling together in one direction. Phagoflux has a deep understanding of the technology and the fundamental aspects of what we are measuring,” says Prof Loos.
In 2021, Phagoflux successfully introduced its inaugural prototype device, which propelled them significantly in terms of the technology employed. “We find cause for celebration in every positive dataset, minimal margin of error, overcoming obstacles (given the challenges of life sciences!), and each progressive stride in advancing our business. Moreover, we take pride in cherishing our unwavering dedication and the satisfaction derived from the journey itself – forging connections with remarkable individuals, expanding our network, and maturing in various dimensions of our endeavours,” says Prof Loos.
Prof Loos explains further: “Our main objective has always been, and still is, the creation of a device that is user-friendly, swift, precise, and capable of surpassing all existing methods. We maintain the belief that achieving effective control of autophagy for health benefits hinges on precise measurements. As a result, our priorities are firmly rooted in robust foundational scientific principles that pave the way for this objective.”
Business meets research
“A business is different from academic research. In research we think of novelty in knowledge, moving the field forward and sharing this knowledge rapidly, through publications of global visibility. In business, we think of the customer and his/her pains and needs. It is less about us, and more about them. The knowledge must be applied, and the focus must not deviate. The market is important, its size and how to reach it. Not an easy task from the tip of Africa, but therefore the more exciting!” concludes Prof Loos.
Navigating the financial gaps between funding cycles has been a significant source of stress, but the team managed to overcome it. “Naturally, technical challenges arise as well, but they’re something we’re accustomed to dealing with. We’ve been fortunate to receive immense assistance in domains beyond our expertise, such as legal guidance and matters related to intellectual property,” says Prof Loos.
“Phagoflux owes its existence to Stellenbosch University and Innovus. Their unwavering support has been with us right from the outset. The remarkable expertise of the Innovus team fills the void we can’t bridge ourselves. The University and Innovus have enabled our entrepreneurial journey, and we are excited to continue to walk this journey together.
Reach out here:
Web:https://www.innovus.co.za/spin-out-companies/phagoflux-pty-ltd.html