Lumito has developed a ground-breaking histopathological tissue analysis solution called SCIZYS. The detection of the tissue samples is partly based on Upcon^TM nanoparticle technology provided by Uniogen. The technology is based on upconverting nanoparticles enabling autofluorescence free measurement. Combined with traditional brightfield imaging, it produces images with higher contrast and granularity compared to traditional immunohistochemistry. Medica is one of the largest medical B2B trade fares in the world. Lumito and Uniogen are co-exhibitors in Hall1 A24 at the upcoming Medica-event in Düsseldorf 11.11-14.11.2024. Together we are sharing a stand and introducing our collaboration as exhibitors for the first time!

Uniogen´s Sales Manager Veikko Wahlroos interviewed Lumito´s new CEO Sanna Wallenborg about her new career step, collaboration, the upcoming exhibition and also how to balance between work and free time. Please read the interview below.

Tell us briefly about your career, how did you end up being the CEO of Lumito?

I have a PhD in Analytical Chemistry from Uppsala University. After 2 years of postdoc in the US, I returned to Sweden and worked at a start-up developing and launching microfluidic-based immunoassays. Following various roles at GE HC, I started at Radiometer (a Danaher company) in 2014, where I for almost 5 years was responsible for the immunoassay product portfolio (in the last years also responsible for Radiometer Clinical and Medical Affairs). Leaving Radiometer after 10 years, I took some time to reflect on what I really wanted, and the CEO role at Lumito is a good match for what I concluded: work with a purpose to improve healthcare, continue in MedTech, work with an engaged and skilled team and stay close to my family.

What kind of experience your current position has been so far?

A steep learning curve in tissue analysis. I am glad I have my scientific and immunoassay background as a starting point. I am grounded in our product. Entering the market with a new product takes time and hard work. The team and I are all geared up for the early commercialisation phase we are now in.

What is the story and principle behind Lumito´s SCIZYS tissue analysis?

An innovation from the Division of Atomic Physics and Laser Centre at Lund University on UCNP labels is the foundation for the high-quality images and the high sensitivity that are Lumito’s hallmark. To take full advantage of the innovation in the field of tissue analysis, a high-end scanner has been developed, enabling the user to detect low amounts of biomarkers and identify what part of the cell the expression takes place.

What made you choose Uniogen as a contract manufacturer for Lumito?

That was decided before my time, but doubtless, I would say the expertise in nanoparticle technology, the ability to do both development and manufacturing, including scale-up, as well as a good collaborative mindset.

What are the main advantages of the product compared to competitors?

High sensitivity, wide dynamic range and that our nanoparticle technology, in combination with SCIZYS scanner sensitivity, enables better means of biomarker quantification than traditional immunohistochemistry.

What are the main challenges?

I would say being a new player, a relatively small company with a new technology on the market. This means we need to prove our right to exist and identify users challenged with problems where our solution will solve these. We need to be present, discuss with many users and allow users to try us out.

How do you see the future of detection methods in immunohistochemistry?

I believe that sensitivity and quantification will be important, as will the ability to detect more than one biomarker and to extract more information from one sample, for example spatial information.

You are now presenting your product for the first time at Medica with Uniogen at a joint stand, what are you expecting from the event?

We expect to learn a lot, to discuss with potential partners as well as customers, and to build relations in the ecosystem of immunohistochemistry solutions.

Balancing between office hours and leisure, in other words, what are you doing when you are not thinking of your work?

I love being outdoors, running, mountain biking, orienteering, cross-country skiing and walking our two dogs. Of course, spending time with my family is high on the list of things outside work. I am also a fan of baking, especially sourdough, so quite often, we have fresh bread in the mornings.