Meet the doctor-turned-entrepreneur aiming to revolutionise cancer care
Multi4 Medical on a mission to transform cancer care. Led by urologist, surgeon and entrepreneur Miden Melle-Hannah, the award-winning startup is relocating to Gothenburg as it focuses on commercialisation and growing its team.
The company has developed a patented technology that automates the treatment of bladder cancer, a common, potentially fatal and very costly disease for healthcare systems. In the US, for example, costs are estimated at around USD 140,000 per case, she explains.
“We can treat bladder cancer in a single outpatient visit, using a minimally invasive approach without waiting times for the patients and no need for a catheter or hospital stay afterwards. At the same time, we also aim to improve patient quality of life and reduce healthcare costs,” says Miden Melle-Hannah, founder and CEO of Multi4 Medical.
The idea behind Multi4 Medical was born from Miden's frustration with the inefficiencies in bladder cancer treatment. As a urologist and surgeon, she noticed that treatment times were unnecessarily long, and surgeries were overly complicated due to instruments that weren’t well-suited for either patients or medical professionals.
In 2017, she founded Multi4 Medical. Since then, she has won an array of awards, including Tech Arenan’s Startup company of the year 2022 and Nordic Woman in Tech’s Innovator of the year 2022.
During the summer, Multi4 was the beneficiary of a EUR 2.5 million grant from the European Innovation Council, to help commercialize its promising technology.
“Our immediate goals include raising further funds to support our international expansion, recruiting top talent to our team, and obtaining regulatory approvals for market access,” says Miden Melle-Hannah.
The first surgeries using Multi4’s instrument are underway
A clinical study involving 25 bladder cancer patients is being carried out at the university hospital in Gothenburg. The aim is to achieve both CE certification and FDA approval, and integrate Multi4’s instrument into clinical practice.
“We have a strong partnership with the Urology clinic at Sahlgrenska University Hospital, who perform the surgeries and RISE Research Institutes of Sweden,” says Miden Melle-Hannah.
In addition to the ongoing studies, the company has relocated to Gothenburg, as it takes the next step in its business development journey.
The region is a leading centre for clinical research in Sweden and home to the largest university hospital in the Nordics. Global companies like AstraZeneca, Getinge, Essity, Dentsply-Sirona, Mölnlycke Healthcare, Cochlear Bone Anchored Solutions and Wellspect all operate important sites in the region.
“Gothenburg's thriving life science ecosystem, with its world-class universities, research institutions, and supportive business environment, make it an ideal location for us to establish operations here,” says Miden Melle-Hannah.
The company is moving into GoCo Health Innovation City, Gothenburg’s expanding life science neighbourhood. According to Miden, the state-of-the-art facilities, collaborative environment, and access to a network of industry experts, were also factors in choosing Gothenburg and GoCo as a new base.
“We are excited to be part of the vibrant Gothenburg ecosystem and look forward to collaborating with partners who share our commitment to advancing healthcare through innovation,” she says.
Iris Öhrn, our investment advisor for life science investment advisor, has had regular contact with Miden and Multi4. She has provided them with strategic insights, identified opportunities, and connected them with local stakeholders. Iris welcomes their investment in the region.
“I first met Dr. Miden Melle-Hannah two years ago. Her passion and dedication to improving cancer treatment have been inspiring to witness firsthand. As both a doctor and a female entrepreneur, she is not only developing innovative solutions for bladder cancer but also has become a role model for women in science and technology,” says Iris Öhrn.
“I am truly delighted that she has chosen Gothenburg as the base for Multi4 Medical’s next phase. Her presence here strengthens our region’s growing life science ecosystem and aligns with Business Region Göteborg’s mission to foster innovation and entrepreneurship,” she adds.
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