Pancreatic cancer remains one of the most difficult cancers to detect early, and that challenge leaves clinicians and patients facing uncertainty when pancreatic cysts are discovered during imaging for other health concerns. In this episode of AUTM on the Air, we look at how a discovery from a Purdue University lab became the foundation for PanCystPro™, a diagnostic test developed by Amplified Sciences to help clinicians better distinguish between benign pancreatic cysts and those that may carry a higher risk of malignancy.
Joining us are Diana Caldwell, CEO of Amplified Sciences, and Joseph Kasper, Assistant Director of Business Development and Licensing for Life Sciences at the Purdue Innovates Office of Technology Commercialization at the Purdue Research Foundation. Diana brings more than 25 years of life science leadership experience, including senior roles at Eli Lilly, co-founding and scaling Pearl Pathways before its acquisition by Versiti, and serving as an Entrepreneur in Residence at the Purdue Foundry. Joe works with Purdue’s life science technologies, helping evaluate commercial potential, identify licensing partners, negotiate agreements, support intellectual property strategy, and guide inventor-led startups through the Purdue Incubator.
Together, Diana and Joe walk us through the journey from Dr. V. Jo Davisson’s research and the BioMatra™ platform to the creation of PanCystPro™, showing what it takes to move a promising university discovery toward real-world clinical impact. Their conversation offers a closer look at the science, the startup path, the role of technology transfer, and the ecosystem support needed to turn an academic innovation into a tool that could help improve decision-making for one of medicine’s most challenging cancers.
In This Episode:
[04:44] Diana Caldwell explains why pancreatic cancer is so difficult to detect early, including the lack of general screening guidelines and the challenge of identifying patients before the disease reaches later stages.
[05:54] Diana describes pancreatic cystic lesions, why they can signal elevated risk, and how the comparison to colon polyps helps explain the clinical challenge.
[08:36] Joseph Kasper discusses the Purdue origins of the technology, including Dr. V. Jo Davisson’s lab, the early intellectual property, and the reagent technology behind BioMatra™.
[10:19] The conversation explores how Amplified Sciences joined forces with Purdue and how the platform’s ultra-sensitive dyes created opportunities for diagnostic innovation.
[12:40] The discussion turns to how pancreatic cancer became the right first market, including UCSF collaborations and the need for better tools in pancreatic cyst risk stratification.
[15:15] PanCystPro™ is explained as a tri-analyte test supported by the BioMatra™ platform, with discussion of the optical detection system and the importance of sensitivity and specificity.
[19:24] The technology transfer journey is outlined, including Purdue’s IP strategy, early startup support, I-Corps resources, and the express license program.
[22:14] Purdue’s institutional support, including Purdue Strategic Ventures, startup investment, and the credibility university backing can bring to an early-stage company.
[24:14]How Purdue’s support has continued as Amplified Sciences has grown, from marketing assistance to the launch of a pivotal clinical utility study.
[26:28] The potential patient impact of PanCystPro™ is discussed, including how it could help reduce uncertainty, avoid unnecessary procedures, and guide appropriate monitoring.
[28:53] Indiana’s life sciences ecosystem and how university research can support broader economic development.
[31:06] Amplified Sciences’ decision to grow in West Lafayette is discussed, including the importance of proximity to Purdue, wet labs, and scientific talent.
[33:56] The value of Purdue’s research park ecosystem is explored, including shared resources, lab capabilities, collaborations, and access to scientific services.
[36:26] The Purdue team’s role in supporting the PanCystPro™ journey is discussed, including IP protection and continued engagement as the company developed.
[38:47] What makes Purdue Innovates helpful for startups, along with the challenges entrepreneurs can face when navigating a large academic institution.
[40:54] The need for more flexible wet lab space, shared services, and lower barriers to entry for research-intensive startups is discussed.
[42:35] Amplified Sciences’ next steps are outlined, including reimbursement, Medicare coverage, early access, and building a broader diagnostic pipeline beyond PanCystPro™.
[44:09] The guests share final takeaways on what it takes to move a university discovery into real-world impact, emphasizing people, teamwork, risk-taking, and a strong innovation ecosystem.
[47:12]How PanCystPro™ demonstrates the real-world value of technology transfer, university research, and experienced entrepreneurial leadership.
Resources:
AUTM
Amplified Sciences
PanCystPro™
Diana Caldwell - Amplified Sciences
Diana Caldwell - LinkedIn
Joe Kasper - Purdue Innovates
Joseph Kasper - LinkedIn
PanCystPro™: A Breakthrough Test for Early Detection of Pancreatic Cancer Risk
Vincent Jo Davisson, PhD - Amplified Sciences
