On December 23, 2024, Canadian biotech company Afynia Laboratories completed a US$5 million seed funding round to support the commercialization of its microRNA-based blood test for endometriosis. The round was led by Bio-Rad Laboratories, a global clinical diagnostics manufacturer listed on the New York Stock Exchange, with participation from additional investors in the healthcare and life sciences sectors.

Afynia is developing a novel diagnostic platform that uses a panel of microRNA biomarkers — small molecules involved in regulating gene expression — to detect endometriosis through a blood sample. The company's approach addresses the longstanding challenges in diagnosing this complex condition, which affects nearly 200 million people globally and currently often requires invasive surgical procedures. Afynia's platform aims to bring earlier, non-invasive detection options to patients and clinicians worldwide.

Gowling WLG advised Afynia Laboratories on all Canadian legal aspects of the transaction with a team led by Sean Gomes, and including Marco Wai.