ABOUT ILICO
PIONEERS OF EARLY DETECTION.
Innovation isn’t just about discovery. It’s about delivering answers that matter — faster, clearer, and with compassion.
As a spin-off of the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, we are developing the first methylated DNA–based molecular test specifically designed for the early detection of gastric cancer — identifying disease years before the current gold standard, Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD).
We are a multinational and multidisciplinary team with proven experience in cancer research, laboratory operations, and business management. We believe in advancing science not for the sake of progress alone, but to change lives.
We believe in doing things differently — in open data, in real collaboration, and in pushing bold ideas forward. In clarity over complexity. In science that speaks. And in closing the gap between breakthrough and bedside.
With only a blood sample, our test detects a tumor in the stomach or lesions that could evolve into gastric cancer even without symptoms present. The results are dynamic and show the cumulative presence of tumors over time. The test reduces treatment costs by ~ 90%, compared to advanced-stage treatments; provides timely results to prioritize patients at risk (“fast track”); has screening potential due to its low cost and ease of implementation; and has monitoring capacity for the dynamic follow-up of premalignant lesions (i.e., gastric intestinal metaplasia or “GIM”).
GUIDED BY PURPOSE:
-
We bring innovation from the lab into the hands of doctors and patients, ensuring life-saving breakthroughs are never out of reach.
-
Pioneering to make the invisible visible – detecting cancer when it matters most.
1
Innovation that Drives Impact:
We turn breakthrough ideas into real-world solutions by fostering curiosity, leveraging expertise, executing with precision, and driving change that shapes the future of healthcare.
-
Transforming medicine by making early detection universal and accessible.
-
We are trailblazing breakthrough molecular diagnostics that enable early detection, risk prioritization, and dynamic monitoring — transforming the way diseases are identified and managed. With innovative, cost effective testing solutions, we bridge the gap between cutting-edge research and real-world clinical impact.
Why It Matters:
• Early Detection Saves Lives: We identify diseases at their earliest, most treatable stages.
• Precision-Driven Risk Prioritization: We Provide actionable insights for personalized treatment, and prevention strategies.
• Accessible & Cost-Effective Solutions: We design solutions for broad implementation, improving healthcare equity.
• Dynamic Monitoring & Real-Time Insights: We enable continuous assessment for better patient outcomes.
• A Platform for Innovation: Our technology will expand beyond cancer detection, supporting advancements in precision medicine, companion diagnostics, and disease prevention.
Ilico Genetics is more than a diagnostics company — we are shaping the future of accessible, data-driven healthcare through scientific innovation and real-world application.
STRUCTURED BY FOUR PROCLAMATIONS OF VALUE:
3
Diversity as a Strength:
We embrace diverse perspectives, knowing that expertise from different backgrounds fuels stronger solutions and collective success in transforming healthcare.
2
Communication that Creates Progress:
We believe in transparency and collaboration, ensuring our teams work in sync internally while equipping physicians with the knowledge to make life-saving decisions.
4
Integrity without Compromise:
We uphold the highest ethical standards through honesty, transparency, and trust, ensuring that every decision, product, and partnership reflects our unwavering commitment to doing what’s right.
THE PEOPLE BEHIND THE MISSION
Alejandro Corvalán, MD
LinkedIn
Fernando Alarcon, MBA
LinkedIn
LinkedIn
Maria J. Maturana, MSc
-
Over 35yrs of deep scientific expertise in translational oncology research
130+ papers published
>5 patents.
-
Over 12yrs of experience in business, corporate finance, and strategic consulting
Biotech entrepreneur leading the development & commercialization of innovative liquid biopsy diagnostics
1 patent.
-
16 yrs of hands-on experience in biotech operations and laboratory management
6 papers published
1 patent.
James Sapirstein | RPH, MBA
— Chairman
40+ yrs of experience in biopharma; Former Chairman & CEO of Public & Private companies; $500M+ raised; and actively involved in 23 global launches.
KEY PARTNERSHIPS
Wayne I. Danson | CPA
— Independant Director
40+ yrs of experience in international tax, investment banking, M&A, and corporate finance; Current/Former CFO and Board member of Public & Private Life Sciences companies; Several multi-million-dollar capital raises.
Shailja Shah | MD, MPH
— Clinical Advisor
Prof. of Medicine (Gastro) at UC San Diego; Involved in developing US Clinical Guideline for Stomach Cancer.
Ralph Makar | RPH, MBA
— Board Advisor
40+ yrs of experience in Life Sciences as President & CEO of Public & Private companies.
PRECISION-DRIVEN
•
PATIENT-FOCUSED
•
PRECISION-DRIVEN • PATIENT-FOCUSED •
FOR INVESTORS
We invite forward-thinking partners to explore the vision and value driving Ilico Genetics in the field of molecular diagnostics. Built on scientific rigor and guided by a mission to make early detection accessible worldwide, we’re pioneering GastroMDx™, a breakthrough blood-based test for the early identification of gastric cancer.
With a leadership team rooted in clinical excellence, biotechnology, and strategic innovation, we’re positioned at the forefront of a rapidly advancing industry. Join us in shaping the future of precision diagnostics and bringing life-saving technology to patients who need it most.
CAREERS
We welcome passionate and driven individuals to join our team at Ilico Genetics. Here, innovation meets purpose — every idea and every contribution moves us closer to changing how the world detects cancer.
As a multidisciplinary group of scientists, clinicians, and innovators, we thrive on collaboration, curiosity, and integrity. If you’re motivated to advance healthcare and bring breakthrough diagnostics to patients worldwide, we invite you to connect with us. Together, we can shape the future of early cancer detection.