Endomag: reducing breast cancer diagnostic pain and improving access

Problem to be solved

Sentinel lymph node biopsy is a critical step in breast cancer staging, but traditional methods relied on radioactive tracers and nuclear medicine facilities, creating logistical constraints and limiting access. 

As breast tumours are increasingly detected earlier and are smaller, surgeons have also needed better ways to precisely localise lesions while reducing patient discomfort and improving workflow.

Solution

Endomag developed a non-radioactive approach using magnetic technology. Magtrace® (a magnetic lymphatic tracer) and the Sentimag® sensing platform allow surgeons to identify sentinel nodes without radioisotopes, while Magseed® enables accurate localisation of breast lesions prior to surgery. Together, these solutions help improve access, simplify pathways and support more patient-friendly care.

How UCL Ventures helped

Endomag (formerly Endomagnetics) was spun out in 2007 to translate UCL research in magnetic sensing into a clinically deployable product. UCL Ventures supported the commercialisation pathway through early-stage funding and guidance, helping the team move from prototype through clinical evaluation, regulatory milestones and international adoption. 

As Dr Eric Mayes, Endomag's founding CEO says: “Unlike the radio isotope, which has a six-hour half-life, Magtrace has a three-year shelf-life and can be injected up to a month in advance of surgery without compromising on signal identification. That effectively removes the supply chain issues, and the need for a nuclear medicine facility, so any clinic can offer a sentinel lymph node biopsy.”

Where is Endomag now?

Endomag’s technologies have been used in over 700,000 surgeries across more than 45 countries, supporting breast cancer staging and tumour localisation. The company secured CE marks for Sentimag and Magtrace by 2010, and Magtrace has received guidance supporting adoption within the NHS. 

In 2024, Endomag was acquired by Hologic for $310m, marking a significant milestone in its journey. The next chapter is focused on continuing to broaden clinical applications of magnetic sensing and building on product innovation for surgical teams worldwide.