From Lab to Launchpad: Marina Simian’s Journey in Cancer Research and Entrepreneurship

Marina Simian, a pioneering Argentine scientist and entrepreneur, is making significant strides in the fight against cancer. Her career, spanning decades of research and culminating in the founding of the biotech company Oncoliq, exemplifies a dedication to innovation and a commitment to improving patient outcomes. This article explores Simian’s journey, from her early fascination with science to her current efforts in early cancer detection.

Early Life and Scientific Roots

Simian’s interest in science blossomed early in her academic career. She won a scholarship to study marine biology in the United States during her fourth year of high school at Northlands School, an unusual opportunity at the time. Her passion was further ignited during her undergraduate studies at the Faculty of Exact and Natural Sciences at the University of Buenos Aires, where she was deeply influenced by biologist Alberto Kornblihtt. “He taught the Introduction to Cellular and Molecular Biology course in the first year of the course and was a genius as a teacher. He completely captivated me,” Simian recalls.

Advanced Research and International Experience

Simian pursued her doctoral studies at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, University of California, followed by a postdoctoral degree at the Ángel H. Roffo Oncology Institute in Buenos Aires. She spent over 20 years as a researcher at CONICET, specializing in cancer biology and the tumor microenvironment. In 2006, she received a $250,000 grant from the Susan G. Komen Foundation, becoming the first Latin American researcher to receive this honor [LinkedIn]. Throughout her career, she has published over 40 scientific articles and mentored numerous researchers.

From Academia to Entrepreneurship: The Birth of Oncoliq

Driven by a desire to translate research into tangible solutions, Simian transitioned from academia to entrepreneurship in 2021. Alongside researcher Adriana de Servi, she founded Oncoliq, a biotechnology company focused on early cancer detection. The impetus for this change came during the pandemic, when laboratory closures prompted a reevaluation of career paths. Simian observed that approximately 50% of adults will develop cancer in their lifetime, and nearly half of those cases are detected at advanced stages [LinkedIn]. Patients diagnosed late have an 80% mortality rate within five years, highlighting the critical need for improved early detection methods.

Oncoliq’s Innovative Approach to Early Detection

Oncoliq is developing a novel diagnostic test based on a blood sample that analyzes microRNAs – molecules not typically evaluated in conventional clinical tests. The goal is to integrate this test into routine blood function, expanding preventative screening options. The company’s initial product, focused on breast cancer, is expected to launch in mid-2026. Research is also underway on lung cancer, and Oncoliq is participating in an HPV screening program in the Argentine province of Chubut to detect cervical cancer early.

Balancing Research, Family, and a Global Life

Simian successfully navigated the demands of a rigorous scientific career while raising a family. She had her first two children while completing her doctorate in the United States, benefiting from the supportive mentorship of her advisor, who allowed her to organize her schedule flexibly. She maintains a dynamic lifestyle, dividing her time between Buenos Aires, La Pedrera in Uruguay (where she enjoys kitesurfing), and the United States, where she travels for approximately two months each year to secure investments.

Advice for Aspiring Scientists and Entrepreneurs

Simian advises young individuals interested in biotechnology entrepreneurship to prioritize completing their academic training, emphasizing the importance of a doctoral degree for building a strong scientific foundation. She acknowledges that starting a biotech company is challenging but comparable to pursuing a traditional scientific career. Her advice to modern entrepreneurs is simple: “Find a massive, real problem — and prepare really well to solve it.”

Looking Ahead

Marina Simian’s journey embodies the power of scientific curiosity, dedication, and entrepreneurial spirit. Through Oncoliq, she is poised to make a significant impact on cancer detection and treatment, offering hope for improved outcomes and a future where cancer is detected and addressed at its earliest, most treatable stages.