A new future for cancer monitoring

Uromonitor®

A non-invasive IVD kit for the follow-up of patients under surveillance for non-muscle invasive bladder cancer recurrence

TERTmonitor

A real-time PCR kit for the qualitative detection of c.-124C>T and c.-146C>T mutations in the TERT gene promoter (TERTp)

FGFR3monitor

A real-time PCR kit for the qualitative detection of four hotspot mutations in the FGFR3 gene

Who we are

Created in 2015, U-Monitor is a biotec company specialized in the research and development (R&D) of non-invasive tools detecting disease-associated biomarkers in the field of cancer and molecular genetics. Our main activity has been focused on bladder cancer and as result of that, we have launched Uromonitor®, an ultra-sensitive IVD kit designed as a complement to cystoscopy in the follow-up of patients under surveillance for non-muscle invasive bladder cancer recurrence. This technology that gave rise to U-Monitor, was initially developed at the renowned cancer research institute, IPATIMUP, and has been awarded with the EVERIS Innovation award and Novo Banco Innovation Prize. The Uromonitor® is already in more than 15 countries around the world. U-Monitor products’ pipeline include also the TERTmonitor and the FGFR3monitor, two new real-time PCR kits for Research Use Only (RUO). The company’s organization includes processes such as: Strategic Management; Quality Management; Administrative and Financial Management; Services Provision; Kit Manufacturing; Marketing and Sales; Technical Assistance; Clinical Research and Development.

What we are about

Our mission is to foster advanced knowledge in the field of cancer biomarkers, bringing scientific advances closer to patients in the form of new non-invasive diagnosis tools. We cultivate close relationships with urologists and other physicians by sponsoring clinical studies at reference centers and involving expert opinion leaders. The findings from these studies are presented at scientific meetings and medical congresses, and disseminated through publications, hospital management associations, and health sector authorities, such as the Directorate General of Health. We keep building a robust network of distributors for our products, and actively participate in international medical device exhibitions.

Our products

Uromonitor®

A non-invasive IVD kit for the follow-up of patients under surveillance for non-muscle invasive bladder cancer recurrence

TERTmonitor

A real-time PCR kit for the qualitative detection of c.-124C>T and c.-146C>T mutations in the TERT gene promoter (TERTp)

FGFR3monitor

A real-time PCR kit for the qualitative detection of four hotspot mutations in the FGFR3 gene

Our team

João Brás PhD | Scientist, Product Development Manager João Brás holds a PhD in Molecular and Cellular Biotechnology and has a strong background in molecular biology and genetics. He has extensive expertise in biomarker discovery and detection techniques. At U-Monitor, João Brás is responsible for the design, development, optimization, validation and implementation of the company’s products.

Hugo Prazeres PhD | Managing Partner, CEO Hugo Prazeres holds a PhD in Biomedicine and over 20 years of experience in an oncology hospital. He has published more than 30 articles in peer-reviewed scientific journals and is a co-inventor on 2 patents. In addition, he has an MBA and has completed postgraduate training in CE certification for In Vitro Diagnostic (IVD) devices and in manufacturing under ISO13485 standards.

João Vinagre PhD | Managing Partner, Research Project Manager João Vinagre, PhD, is an assistant researcher at i3S and Ipatimup, focusing on cancer genetics, particularly in mechanisms for tumour immortalisation. His contributions aim to advance cancer research and translation into diagnostic tools that can benefit patient care and improve overall survival. His main studies address telomerase promoter mutations in human cancers.

Paula Soares PhD | Managing Partner, Scientific Advisor Paula Soares, BSc, MSc, PhD, is an Associate Professor of Pathology at the Faculty of Medicine of Porto and leads the Cancer Signaling and Metabolism research group at I3S/IPATIMUP. Her research focuses on translational studies exploring the clinicopathological impact of genetic alterations in cancer, with the ultimate goal of developing biomarkers to improve patient monitoring and treatment.

Rui Batista PhD | Managing Partner Rui Batista holds a Master’s in Molecular and Cellular Biology from the University of Aveiro and a PhD in Biomedicine from the University of Porto. He has extensive experience in genetic diagnosis and, as a managing partner at U-Monitor, he oversees the development of new ultra-sensitive genetic detection kits.

Mafalda Gonçalves PhD | Scientist, Product Development Manager Mafalda Gonçalves holds a Bachelor's and Master's degree in Genetics, as well as a PhD in Molecular and Cellular Biotechnology. Her responsibilities at U-Monitor include sample processing, biomarker analysis, clinical data management, product improvement, training, and providing technical support.