Mark L. Faupel, Ph.D.
Company Background
Guided Therapeutics, Inc. (OTCBB & OTCQB: GTHP) is developing a rapid and painless testing platform for the early detection of cancer based on its patented biophotonic technology. Guided was founded in 1994 and went public via an IPO in 1997 as SpectRx, Inc. The company is the developer of the BiliChek® Non-invasive Bilirubin Analyzer, which uses spectroscopy to measure bilirubin in infants. That product is now sold by Philips Medical. The company changed its name to Guided Therapeutics in 2007 to focus on developing its cancer detection platform. Guided Therapeutics has 38 employees.
Technology Overview
LuViva is a diagnostic device that scans the cervix with light and uses spectroscopy to measure how light interacts with the cervical tissue. Spectroscopy identifies chemical and structural indicators of precancer that may be below the surface of the cervix or misdiagnosed as benign. Unlike Pap, HPV tests, or biopsies, LuViva does not require laboratory analysis or a tissue sample, and is designed to provide results immediately, which eliminates costly, painful, and unnecessary testing. LuViva is currently approved for use in Canada and is under PMA review in the U.S. and CE mark review in the European Union.
Market Potential
LuViva is designed for use in women who have undergone initial Pap test screening and are called back for follow up with a colposcopy examination, which in many cases, involves taking a biopsy of the cervix followed by histopathological examination of the biopsy specimen. LuViva is designed to triage patients to help physicians determine if a woman should undergo a colposcopy exam. About 55 million American women undergo Pap tests with 5 percent to 10 percent requiring follow up. The device is used in conjunction with the LuViva® Cervical Guide single-use patient interface and calibration disposable.
Competitive Advantage
LuViva’s advantages over existing methods include immediate results, no painful tissue samples and no lab-based infrastructure required. In addition to detecting precancer up to two years earlier than the current standard of care, LuViva has been shown to reduce the number of unnecessary procedures.
Financial Overview
In addition to grants from NCI, the company raises additional funding through partnering, contract work and the sale of equity. In 2011, the company raised $6.2 million through these methods. Since its inception in 1993, the company has raised approximately $78 million. The company anticipates requiring approximately $3 to $5 million for an initial product launch.
Intellectual Property
Guided Therapeutics has 16 issued patents pertaining to the technology platform.
Commercialization Strategy
In the U.S., Guided Therapeutics plans a mix of dedicated sales force and selected regional distributors. Internationally, the company is employing country-specific or regional distributors with an established presence in the gynecological market.
Pipeline Products
Guided Therapeutics has entered into a partnership with Konica Minolta Opto to develop a non-invasive test for early esophageal cancer in patients with Barrett’s Esophagus using the biophotonic technology platform.
Management Team
Mark L. Faupel, Ph.D., President, Chief Executive Officer and Director has more than 25 years of experience as a senior executive developing non-invasive alternatives to surgical biopsies and blood tests, especially in the area of cancer screening and diagnostics. Prior to coming to SpectRx in 1998 as Vice President of Business Development and then co-founding Guided Therapeutics, Dr. Faupel was a senior executive and co-founder of Biofield Corp. In 2007, he became President and CEO of Guided Therapeutics.
Richard L. Fowler, Sr. Vice President, Engineering is responsible for identifying new technical and business opportunities for Guided Therapeutics. These opportunities include new technologies, product lines, or business acquisitions that are strategic to the company's business. Mr. Fowler was formerly VP of Engineering at Guided Therapeutics where he oversaw the successful development of the BiliChek® Non-invasive Bilirubin Analyzer.
Shabbir Bambot, Ph.D. Vice President, Research and Development, is a co-founder of Guided Therapeutics. He has 20 years of experience in developing medical diagnostic products and is co-inventor of the technology behind the company’s cancer diagnostic products. He currently manages the development of the company’s esophageal cancer surveillance product in partnership with Konica Minolta Opto, Japan.
