Medlyse, founded in Vantaa in 2023, has joined the CleverHealth Network (CHN), led by HUS Helsinki University Hospital, as its newest member. Medlyse, a five-person start-up, is developing innovative sensor technology that can be used to monitor and identify various diseases by analysing a patient’s exhaled air.
According to Hans Haase, Head of Research and Development at Medlys, the company is currently developing sensor technology for the early detection of conditions in premature babies, such as sepsis and ketosis. The technology utilises sensors capable of detecting dozens of different gases, as well as artificial intelligence, to identify abnormalities in respiratory biomarkers. This enables the prediction and prevention of life-threatening conditions even before they develop.
Medlyse has completed its first pilot devices and is currently in discussions with HUS regarding the launch of clinical trials in the neonatal intensive care unit. Haase is responsible for clinical validation and collaboration with clinicians to ensure that the technology meets the highest standards of patient safety and efficacy.
Medlyse’s approach stands out from other breath analysis devices in that it is capable of continuous measurement, whereas other devices take a single breath sample, which also requires the user to blow into the device; This is not necessary with the Medlysen device; simply breathing is sufficient. Medlyse’s solution is unique in terms of its methodology and predictive capabilities, which is why the company has applied for a patent and Fimea approval for its solution. It is particularly important for premature babies that the method is sensitive and non-invasive.
Medlyse is linked, through shared key personnel, to Airlyse, a company that specialises in measuring indoor air quality in places such as nurseries and hospitals. Airlyse’s sensors were used in the recently concluded E3 Excellence in Pandemic Response and Enterprise Solutions project.
According to Haase, joining the CHN ecosystem was “a no-brainer”. The network’s collaborative strength and its connections to large companies – and, through them, to international stakeholders – were decisive factors in the decision. Medlyse hopes that collaboration and piloting with HUS experts will advance the clinical validation of the technology, particularly as HUS possesses extensive expertise and data on premature babies. Furthermore, Medlyse wishes to utilise the artificial intelligence expertise and shared knowledge base of the companies within the CHN network.
Medlyse brings a new, innovative approach to disease detection to the network, offering a fresh perspective as a start-up. The technology’s ability to learn to recognise markers of sepsis and ketosis could, in future, be extended to the detection of other serious conditions, such as lung cancer. Initially, the technology will be used in the care of premature babies being treated in intensive care units.
In the coming years, Medlyse envisages its technology being widely used in hospitals both in Finland and abroad. The company hopes that the support and contacts provided by the CleverHealth Network will accelerate the transition from innovation to commercialisation, and ultimately improve patient care by enabling the earlier and safer detection of diseases.
