Key Investor Signals
First European patent application filed in 2025
Papilio Bio filed its first platform-level patent application at the European Patent Office in October 2025, adding an early IP layer around its diagnostic technology.
Proof of concept reached for the rapid HPV self-test
Papilio Bio completed proof of concept and developed its first rapid HPV self-test version in 2024, moving the programme beyond the initial concept stage.
Won Paris-Saclay SPRING 2026 Health-Biotech award
Papilio Bio won the Health-Biotech category at Paris-Saclay SPRING 2026, receiving jury recognition and a one-year membership with La French Tech Paris-Saclay.
Other Positive Signals
- Selected for Genopole's Gene.iO 2024 programme with €20,000 in support.
- Won the Healthtech pitch prize at Genopole Partnering Week 2025.
- Joined Agoranov's health incubator portfolio in February 2025.
- Joined Spartners by Servier & BioLabs, providing access to life-science laboratory infrastructure.
- Supported by 21st by CentraleSupélec for deeptech acceleration, fundraising and go-to-market development.
Team
Chiara Cespi Polisiani
Co-founder & CEO
- Founded Spadella in 2022 and has served as its president since 2023, adding prior company-building experience.
- Brings 8+ years in startup operations, brand and go-to-market, including roles at ManoMano and Cheerz.
- Adds country-manager experience in consumer tech, strengthening her background in international market expansion.
Serena Petracchini
Co-founder & CSO
- PhD-trained microbiologist at Institut Pasteur with 8+ years of biotechnology R&D experience.
- Co-first-authored a 2022 Nature Communications study on bacterial invasion and host-cell mechanotransduction.
- Conducted 2022 research at Institut Pasteur with Université Paris Cité, CNRS and INSERM affiliations.
Product
Papilio Bio is developing a disposable HPV self-test that combines self-collection with molecular signal amplification and a visible result in 15 minutes. It is designed to work at home without laboratory processing or a separate electronic reader.
15-minute self-test, no reader required
The user self-collects a sample and applies it to a disposable lateral-flow test designed to produce a visible result in 15 minutes, without laboratory processing or an electronic reader.
Molecular signal amplification
Papilio Bio uses proprietary molecular probes to amplify the detection signal before it reaches the test strip, aiming to bring molecular diagnostics into a simple rapid-test format.
Optional companion app
The companion app is designed to guide sample collection, explain results, store a health record and connect users with follow-up care. The test itself still provides a visible result without an electronic reader.
Market Overview
Persistent high-risk HPV is the main cause of cervical cancer, making screening central to prevention. France's programme increasingly relies on HPV testing for women aged 30–65, but participation remains below public-health targets, leaving room for formats that reduce dependence on clinic visits and laboratory workflows.
HPV testing already has an established role in cervical-screening pathways and a growing commercial diagnostics market. At-home formats could extend that model by combining self-collection with rapid results, reducing practical barriers while preserving the molecular-testing approach used in current screening programmes.
Estimated new cervical cancer diagnoses worldwide in 2024; about 280,000 women died from the disease.
Share in France's organized cervical screening programme in 2024; European acceptable threshold: 70%.
Share of cervical screenings among French women aged 30–65 that used an HPV test in 2024.
Grand View Research estimate for the global HPV testing market in 2026, projected to reach $5.7B by 2033.
Comparable Outcomes
Mesa Biotech / Accula
Mesa Biotech developed Accula, a rapid PCR-based point-of-care platform for infectious disease testing. The system was designed to bring molecular testing closer to patients in settings such as physician offices, pharmacies, and near-patient care environments. Thermo Fisher acquired Mesa Biotech for approximately $450 million in cash, with up to $100 million in additional milestone payments.
Modern Fertility
Modern Fertility developed at-home hormone testing for reproductive health and ovarian reserve, later expanding into ovulation, pregnancy and cycle-tracking products. Ro acquired Modern Fertility in May 2021 for a reported value of more than $225M.
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Sources
This profile was built from public company materials, ecosystem sources, market references, and professional profiles.