It is often difficult to distinguish between tumor tissue and healthy tissue during surgery. While generous safety margins are possible in some areas of the body, the removal of healthy tissue in other areas can lead to permanent functional impairments.
Particularly with tumors in the head and neck region, it is therefore crucial to preserve as much healthy tissue as possible while completely removing the tumor. A rapid and reliable assessment of the excised tissue during surgery can help in making informed surgical decisions.
To date, tumor margins have often been assessed using histopathological frozen-section examinations. Even under optimal conditions, it can take about an hour to receive the results. During that time, the patient remains under anesthesia in the operating room. If a prompt examination is not possible, the results may not be available for several days.
If residual tumor tissue is detected, a repeat surgical procedure may be necessary.
We at FlareOn Biotech have developed a patented sensor that “flares” when it detects specific biomarkes associated with the tumor. This fluorescence-based approach can be used right in the operating room to determine with the naked-eye and within 10 minutes whether or not the excised tissue contains tumor cells.
The procedure is quick, easy to perform, and does not require a high level of expertise to interpret the results.
Our sensors react to active biomarkers in the excised tumor tissue. The result can be assessed with the naked eye.
We want to optimize treatment workflows, shorten anesthesia time, and reduce surgical costs for a greater operational efficiency.
Our technologies focus on improving medical outcomes for our patients.
We continuously invest in research to explore new opportunities in the field of biotechnology.
FlareOn Biotech’s fluorescence-based sensor technology allows tissue samples to be tested for residual tumor tissue in about ten minutes. To do this, the tissue sample is placed in a solution containing the sensor. After ten minutes, the sample is irradiated with UV light.
If tumor tissue is present, the sensor solution emits a fluorescent signal. If no signal is detected, no corresponding reaction is present. The procedure enables rapid assessment directly during surgery and can thus support surgical decision-making.
Surgical procedure to remove a tumor in the operating room under anesthesia
Removal of the tumorous tissue
Transferring the sample to the sensor
Evaluation of the results with the naked eye
FlareOn Biotech’s sensor technology is currently focused on the detection of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). We are currently investigating whether the method is also suitable for detecting breast cancer. An expansion to skin cancer is also planned.
In the long term, we also aim to develop a spray-on sensor solution that can be applied directly to the surgical site, thereby opening up new possibilities for intraoperative tumor detection.
FlareOn Biotech is seeking partners to advance the development and commercialization of its fluorescence-based diagnostic technology. We welcome discussions with potential licensing partners, strategic collaborators, research institutions, and investors interested in bringing innovative solutions to cancer surgery.
We are seeking industry partners interested in licensing and commercializing our fluorescence-based diagnostic technology to bring innovative solutions into clinical practice.
We welcome collaborations to support technology validation, further development, and the exploration of additional cancer indications and applications.
We are open to discussions with investors who share our vision of advancing cancer diagnostics and supporting the continued development and commercialization of our technology.
Founded in 2024 and based in Frickenhausen, Germany, FlareOn Biotech develops innovative fluorescence-based solutions for cancer diagnostics.
Our technology enables the rapid differentiation of healthy and malignant tissue directly at the point of care within just 10 minutes. This supports surgeons in precisely determining tumor-free resection margins, reduces decision-making time in the operating room, and provides an alternative to time-consuming frozen section diagnostics.
Our goal is to make cancer surgery safer, more efficient, and accessible to hospitals of all sizes.
Dr. Heinrich Jehle and Dr. Anna Herrmann are co-founders and together form the management of FlareOn Biotech.
Dr. Heinrich Jehle has many years of experience in the life sciences sector and brings extensive entrepreneurial expertise to the table. In 2021, he successfully exited a previous startup he had founded.
Dr. Anna Herrmann has an extensive international network in the life sciences sector and contributes valuable industry contacts.
We were honored with the "Innovator of the Month" award for our pioneering technology and our contribution to improving tumor diagnostics.
FlareOn Biotech took fourth place in the 2025 Baden-Württemberg Startup Award. The award recognizes an innovative business idea: a fluorescence-based sensor technology designed to enable rapid assessment of tumor tissue directly in the operating room. The video provides insight into the company and the idea behind the development.
Telephone: +49 7022 2084812
Email: info@flareon-biotech.com
Address: Benzstr. 2, c/o Sirius B. Park, 72636 Frickenhausen, Germany
Mon – Fri: 9:00 am – 6:00 pm
Sat – Sun: closed
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