Beken Bio receives first SBIR Phase I Award | helping to break barriers in early ovarian cancer detection

Written By Alicia Vial

New Orleans - Beken Bio, a biotech revolutionizing early cancer detection, is pleased to announce it has been awarded an Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase 1 grant from the National Science Foundation. This award supports the development of a liquid biopsy diagnostic test that will detect ovarian cancer much earlier in disease progression.

“The SBIR award is a significant milestone for Beken Bio, validating the dedication and innovation behind our ovarian cancer detection test,” said Beken Bio CEO + Founder Christopher Millan.  “This funding affirms the viability of our commercialization strategy and enables us to collaborate with leading gynecologic oncologists at LCMC Health and Ochsner Medical Centers to evaluate the test in clinical settings. The data generated during this project will form the foundation of our regulatory submissions, bringing us one step closer to launching a diagnostic tool that empowers early detection and provides potential lifesaving clarity for patients.”

The New Orleans BioInnovation Center (NOBIC), a Louisiana based biotech incubator and wet lab/ office facility in downtown New Orleans, supported Beken Bio with the SBIR funding opportunity.

“For companies like Beken Bio, SBIR funding is crucial for validating its technology and bringing it closer to commercialization,” said NOBIC Executive Director Kris Khalil.  “NOBIC’s goal is to empower companies producing tech that will change medicine for the better. The earlier cancer can be detected, the better chance of survival for the patient. We are excited for the Beken team and that the research funded will happen here in Louisiana within our hospital systems.”

Beken Bio’s 3D REVEAL™ exposes cancer-specific Extracellular Vesicles (EVs) that circulate in the blood earlier and in significantly greater quantities than other liquid biopsy targets.  Ovarian Cancer found as early as Stage One has a 90% survival rate according to the National Institutes of Health.  Better Diagnostic testing like Beken Bio’s, is a game changer in cancer prevention and treatment.

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About Beken Bio:
Beken Bio is a company passionate about helping to save lives and exploring new horizons of nanobiology in conjunction with state-of-the-art machine learning AI. Its mission is to unlock the key to early cancer detection.  By targeting the body’s most abundant biomarkers, Beken Bio can shift the narrative of when cancer is detected and reduce its impact on a global scale.

About New Orleans BioInnovation Center:
The New Orleans BioInnovation Center (NOBIC) is a nonprofit business incubator focused on advancing life science entrepreneurship and technology commercialization in Louisiana. The mission of NOBIC is to create a successful biotech ecosystem by providing emerging companies with customized commercialization services, premier facilities, and a comprehensive support network. Through relationships with research institutions, economic development organizations, and industry stakeholders, NOBIC helps its clients de-risk novel technologies, attract funding, and improve global health outcomes.

Alicia Vial

Alicia Vial is a New Orleans native with more than a decade of experience elevating client stories and leading crisis response. As the senior director of strategy, Alicia acts as a leader within the Gambel Communications team ensuring each agency team member is positioned to deliver strategic public relations services that meet the highest standards of the industry. In addition to supporting the agency’s long-term business growth and development, she coordinates day-to-day account services and oversees strategic direction while staying abreast of best practices and industry trends to provide innovative solutions to meet client’s needs.

Before joining Gambel Communications, Alicia served as the communications director for the Louisiana SPCA, the oldest and largest animal welfare organization in Louisiana that impacts more than 74,000 animals per year. During her nearly eight-year tenure, Alicia oversaw numerous crises, served on national communication taskforces, oversaw all aspects of internal and external relations and worked alongside the development department to raise critical funding. Prior to that, she worked in the fast-paced New Orleans hospitality industry focusing on digital public relations for multiple hotels.

Alicia is a member of the Public Relations Association of Louisiana (PRAL), Southern Public Relations Federation (SPRF), a board member of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) New Orleans Chapter and a member of the New Orleans Regional Leadership Institute. An accredited public relations practitioner (APR), Alicia is also certified in crisis communications, organizational leadership, content marketing and social media.

A well respected and trusted public relations practitioner, Alicia has been recognized by SPRF as a ‘Senior Practitioner of the Year’. Dubbed early on in her career as one to watch, she also received the ‘Rising Star’ award by PRAL and was profiled in St. Charles Avenue Magazine as part of their Young Bloods series. Most recently, she was recognized at PRSA’s annual Fleurish Awards and received four Awards of Excellence for her work along with the ‘Plate Spinner’ award for her efforts on the board of directors for the chapter.

An LSU graduate, Alicia received a bachelor's degree in mass communications with a concentration in public relations and minors in business administration and leadership development. She is a frequent speaker and presenter on public relations topics, most recently presenting at the Jefferson Economic Development Commission and SPRF annual conference.

When Alicia is not at work, you can find her at the ballpark with her three boys or cheering on the Tigers in Death Valley.

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