Advancing Early Breast Cancer Detection: The Mission Behind XEMPERIA
Early detection is one of the most effective ways to improve survival rates for breast cancer: it reaches 98% when caught early, but drops to just 30% when diagnosed late. XEMPERIA’s innovation lies in how cancer is detected: not by imaging tumors, but by decoding the immune system’s early warnings.
Curzio Rüegg, Professor of Pathology Emeritus at the University of Fribourg and a leading expert in cancer biology, had spent over 25 years advancing translational breast cancer research. He saw the urgent need to push his development beyond the lab.
“We decided to start XEMPERIA to translate discoveries of clinical relevance from academic research into solutions for patients,” says Curzio. “Specifically, we wanted to pursue our development for a blood test for early breast cancer detection into a useful, viable product that could save lives.”
That vision led to the founding of XEMPERIA, a Swiss start-up developing a non-invasive, highly accurate blood-based diagnostic tool for the early detection of breast cancer.
How It Works: Letting the Immune System Speak
XEMPERIA’s test is based on the understanding that breast cancer, even in its earliest stages, activates the immune system. These cancer-stimulated immune cells circulate in the blood, and XEMPERIA’s technology identifies molecular determinants within them that signal the presence of disease.
“Just as infectious agents activate immune cells, immune cells are also stimulated by breast cancer,” explains Curzio. “We have identified markers that distinguish women with primary breast cancer from healthy individuals with over 95% accuracy.”
Using a PCR-based platform combined with XEMPERIA’s proprietary algorithm, the test generates a score indicating whether breast cancer is present. It is designed to be used annually by women aged 35 to 75—as a first-line screening tool that could flag risks even before mammogram.
A positive result would prompt further imaging before more invasive diagnostics like biopsies are considered. It is a solution that promises not only earlier detection but also an improved patient experience.
Navigating the Road to Market
Developing an innovative test is only half the battle—getting it into clinics requires navigating a complex healthcare system. XEMPERIA has been laser-focused on performance, clinical validation, and regulatory readiness.
“Bringing a diagnostic test to market is challenging,” Curzio admits. “The test must have excellent performance to avoid missing patients with cancer and limit the number of false-positive results.”
Additionally, XEMPERIA must navigate strict regulatory procedures, with CE and FDA certifications requiring considerable time and effort. Acceptance by the medical community can be slow, as doctors tend to rely on familiar tools. Reimbursement by health insurance or government systems is also essential for commercial success.
In their first clinical study of 200women, the prototype test showed enhanced accuracy compared to mammography.These results are encouraging not just from a scientific standpoint, but also from a market-readiness perspective. The test has the potential to complement or even surpass current screening tools, making it a strong candidate for adoption and funding.
A Rapidly Expanding Market Opportunity
XEMPERIA is entering a market on the rise. The global molecular diagnostics market for breast cancer was valued at USD 1.5–2 billion in 2022 and is expected to grow at a 15–18% CAGR through 2030.
One of the fastest-growing segments?Liquid biopsy—a non-invasive method of detecting cancer through blood tests, which aligns perfectly with XEMPERIA’s approach.
“As technology matures and costs decline, liquid biopsies are expected to become a cornerstone in breast cancer management,” Curzio notes.
XEMPERIA’s initial market includes 190 million women in Europe and North America, to reach 3% penetration—or 6 million,on tests annually. In the future, they aim to expand to Asia, South America, Africa, and the Middle East, where access to imaging-based screening remains limited.
Advice for Aspiring Founders in Healthtech
For those looking to build their own venture in diagnostics or Healthtech, Curzio shares this advice:
“Have a strong case for a solution that addresses a real problem or has broad relevance and have a clear plan for how to bring the solution to market. This will determine attractiveness for investors and streamline the process of entering the market.”
XEMPERIA is a testament to what is possible when scientific excellence meets entrepreneurial clarity.
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As part of the Tech4Eva 2025 program, XEMPERIA is gaining valuable exposure and access to a network of collaborators, mentors, and investors dedicated to advancing women’s health innovation.
“The program gives us ample opportunities to connect with stakeholders and organizations working on women's health, to connect with investors, and to gain broad visibility,” says Curzio.
With a bold vision and science-backed innovation, XEMPERIA is not only improving early detection, but it is reshaping what is possible in the future of breast cancer screening.
About Curzio Rüegg
Curzio Rüegg, CEO and Co-Founder of XEMPERIA, is Professor of Pathology Emeritus at the University of Fribourg. He is a leading expert in cancer research and biomarker discovery, with over 25 years of experience in translational breast cancer research. He decided to start XEMPERIA to translate discoveries of clinical relevance from academic research into solutions to patients.
➡️ Social media handles – @Xemperia