Developing RNA-based tests to guide targeted cancer treatment selection
DNA tests can identify cancer mutations without revealing how strongly they are expressed. In breast cancer, differences in PIK3CA mutation expression are associated with prognosis and may help explain why some patients are unlikely to benefit from targeted PI3K inhibitors.
expressTEC is developing expressPIK, an RNA-based test that measures PIK3CA and AKT1 mutation expression and total PTEN expression. It aims to add this information to cancer treatment decisions, helping guide selection for targeted therapies.
What stands out about expressTEC
Research underpinning expressPIK linked PIK3CA allelic expression to prognosis using METABRIC and TCGA breast tumour data.
Enterprise Europe Network reported €1.1 million in public funding secured to further develop the company's technology.
COREangels Algarve announced a signed SAFE investment in expressTEC; the announcement does not disclose its amount.
Established formal partnerships with two Portuguese hospitals, as reported by Enterprise Europe Network in July 2025.
Won recognition in the university category of the Santander X Global Award announced in February 2024.
A University of Algarve spin-off, explicitly identified as such by investor Portugal Ventures.
Co-founders Ana Teresa Maia and Joana Xavier are PhD researchers with over 35 years of combined experience in cancer research.
expressTEC was incubated at UALG TEC START, the University of Algarve entrepreneurship and technology-transfer incubator.
Selected among 12 startups in the Dengun Founders Program, a six-week accelerator offering mentorship and investor access.
expressTEC reports receiving EUR 75,000 through Women TechEU, alongside mentoring and European networking support.
expressPIK won the startup category of the 2023 Altice International Innovation Award, with a EUR 50,000 prize.
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