William Shatner's Mission for Affordable Cancer Diagnostics
Legendary actor and philanthropist,
William Shatner, has partnered with
IdentifySensors Biologics, a leader in digital molecular diagnostics, to advocate for global health initiatives focused on affordable real-time diagnostics for cancer. This collaboration is set against the backdrop of IdentifySensors raising over
$20 million to expedite the rollout of
Check4 — a revolutionary diagnostic platform designed to reshape how early cancer and infectious diseases are detected.
Transforming Cancer Detection
Check4 stands at the frontier of medical technology. It is heralded as the first fully digital, real-time molecular diagnostic system capable of delivering lab-quality results in
under five minutes using just a simple blood or saliva sample. Crucially, this platform functions without the need for PCR, reagents, or complex lab infrastructure, making it a game changer in the healthcare sector. The technology harnesses advanced
graphene-based semiconductors, artificial intelligence algorithms, and cloud connectivity to ensure accurate, decentralized, and cost-effective diagnostics for communities around the world.
Shatner shares his vision, stating, "We believe this is the future of diagnostics. Early cancer detection saves lives. This technology can put that power in the hands of people everywhere, instantly and affordably. I'm proud to be part of this mission." His remarks highlight a growing movement aimed at making diagnostic procedures more accessible, extending beyond traditional hospital setups to clinics and ultimately, homes.
The Clinical Impact
Recently, IdentifySensors achieved a significant milestone by validating the detection of three critical
EGFR mutations associated with
non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC): L858R, Exon 19 deletions, and T790M. This type of cancer accounts for nearly
85% of lung cancer cases and is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Therefore, rapid and precise detection of EGFR mutations is crucial for initiating targeted therapies. Check4's testing capabilities have shown a sensitivity down to
50 copies/mL, comparable to existing FDA-cleared PCR benchmarks, thus supporting earlier detection and real-time therapy guidance using Check4's low-cost, disposable cartridges.
Funding and Future Prospects
The funds raised will not only expedite the commercialization of Check4 but will also enable a further
$7.1 million Series A funding round. This will facilitate volume production validation, expansion into oncology companion diagnostics (CDx), and pursue regulatory clearances for priority infectious disease targets. Shatner's backing is expected to rally support from celebrities, health leaders, and global advocates, emphasizing an urgent call for affordable and real-time cancer detection technologies.
IdentifySensors Biologics' CEO,
Gregory Hummer, MD, emphasizes the holistic nature of healthcare innovation, stating, "Healthcare innovation is not just about technology; it's about equity, access, and saving lives." With Shatner's incumbent support, they aim to set a new global standard for disease detection and monitoring.
About IdentifySensors Biologics
IdentifySensors Biologics is pioneering digital molecular diagnostics aimed at removing entrenched barriers in healthcare, such as the need for reagents, complex laboratory setups, and lengthy wait times for results. Their prominent platform, Check4®, provides rapid, affordable, and high-quality results through a connected system. Based in
Cleveland, with research facilities in
Gainesville, Florida, IdentifySensors is dedicated to democratizing early detection technologies, ensuring that quality healthcare is within everyone’s reach.
For further details, visit
IdentifySensors or watch William Shatner's message on YouTube.