HEALTHCARE

By FedEx | August 21, 2024

Dr Tan Min-Han’s entrepreneurial journey with Lucence showcases the power of innovation and collaboration in revolutionizing healthcare. Discover how this Singapore biotech start-up is leveraging cutting-edge technology to transform the future of cancer care.

• Singapore-based biotech company Lucence has developed non-invasive blood tests for early cancer detection and treatment.
• Lucence works with FedEx to ensure expert delivery of life-saving diagnostic solutions worldwide.
• Founder and CEO Dr Tan Min-Han believes all aspiring entrepreneurs should focus on continuous learning and building strong partnerships to succeed in their field.

Medical oncologist and entrepreneur Dr Tan Min-Han has dedicated his career to fighting cancer. After leading the research team at the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) from 2011, Dr Tan realized the need for non-invasive, innovative diagnostic solutions. In 2017, he founded Lucence.

Initially a spin-off company from A*STAR, Lucence has grown into a formidable force in cancer diagnostics. Headquartered in Singapore and Palo Alto, California, with offices in Hong Kong and Suzhou, Lucence has since secured over USD 75 million in funding.

The company delivers clinical services worldwide through twin CLIA-licensed laboratories in the US and Singapore. They’ve chalked up significant milestones, including being the first and only Asian-headquartered company to receive Medicare coverage in the US.

Lucence's mission is to empower patients and physicians with comprehensive, personalized insights into cancer management. LiquidHALLMARK®, is a test for cancer patients that analyzes a simple blood draw to identify the best treatment options for various cancers. LucenceINSIGHT™ is a test to screen for up to 50 cancers in a blood draw in otherwise healthy individuals over age 40, achieving earlier cancer detection when potentially curable.

Most recently, Lucence won the 2024 FedEx APAC Small Business Grant Contest. With the grant, the company is planning to enhance their R&D, expand their product line, and enter new markets, accelerating growth and improving cancer diagnostics.

Lucence and FedEx: A winning partnership

With a vision that encompasses global expansion, technological innovation, and a robust market presence, logistics has been critical in supporting Lucence’s cross-border growth, enabling the delivery of life-saving solutions worldwide.

"FedEx has been a key partner in supporting Lucence’s growth and operational efficiency,” Dr Tan shares. “Thanks to FedEx’s extensive logistics network and advanced shipping solutions, our twin laboratories can supply the world with earlier cancer detection.”

Lucence uses services like FedEx International Economy and FedEx International Priority to ensure the timely, safe delivery of sample collection kits and documents to their international branches and distributors.

Beyond fulfilling their shipping needs, Lucence values our commitment to cutting-edge technology such as advanced tracking systems, route optimization tools, and user-friendly platforms, which help streamline Lucence's operations.

Looking ahead, Dr Tan sees potential in continued collaboration with the FedEx Healthcare team. Our expertise in medical shipments with regulatory compliance and advanced cold chain solutions aims to enhance overall efficiency and cost-effectiveness in the healthcare sector.

What new entrepreneurs and start-ups can learn from Lucence

Lucence’s journey offers valuable lessons for aspiring entrepreneurs. Dr Tan highlights a memory he holds close to his heart: his mother was the first cancer patient to use LiquidHALLMARK® to identify treatment options for her metastatic colon cancer.

Reflecting on this, Dr Tan emphasizes the need to focus on identifying a genuine problem in the market and validate the solution through thorough research and testing.

He believes it’s also important to create a culture of continuous learning, prioritizing customer feedback to refine your product or service. Building a strong network of mentors and managing finances prudently are also key to success.

Adapting to change is another challenge Dr Tan stresses. He advocates for building a strong, adaptable team. Embracing technology, clear communication, and strategic flexibility are also crucial for navigating change.

When it comes to startups seeking outside investment, Dr Tan has three tips.

• Develop a strong product for a suitable market. This is critical for business success.
• Showing investors a strong business plan is crucial. This means having a clear vision with a strong market analysis, revenue model, and growth strategy.
• Having good business relationships as these demonstrates transparency, trustworthiness, and industry knowledge to potential investors.

Lucence's story is one of innovation, dedication, and global collaboration. By harnessing the power of technology and prioritizing a best-in-class logistics service, they can make a significant impact on the fight against cancer.

To learn more about Lucence’s life-saving technologies, visit their website here.

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