News Summary
Billy Evans, a partner of Elizabeth Holmes, has launched a new blood-testing company named Haemanthus. Aiming to revolutionize health diagnostics, the firm has secured nearly $20 million in funding despite skepticism due to the Theranos scandal. Haemanthus plans to start with animal testing and eventually aims for human health optimization through innovative testing technology. The company’s prototype has drawn comparisons to the controversial Theranos Edison machine, raising questions about its future in the health market.
Billy Evans Ventures Into Blood-Testing with Haemanthus
In a daring move that seems to tread a fine line between innovation and controversy, Billy Evans, partner of the infamous Elizabeth Holmes, has taken the plunge into the competitive world of blood-testing with a brand-new venture called Haemanthus. With his past intertwined with the dramatic tale of Theranos, it’s no surprise that this launch has raised eyebrows and sparked conversations all around.
What’s Haemanthus All About?
Haemanthus, a company that champions the idea of revolutionizing health diagnostics, aims to provide quick assessments using blood, urine, and saliva samples from its users. This concept isn’t entirely new; it mirrors the ambitious goals of Holmes’s former enterprise, Theranos. However, Evans is looking to carve out a new niche and has already incorporated the company as of February 2024.
Getting Things Rolling
Despite a legacy shadowed by skepticism, Evans has managed to line up nearly $20 million in funding from friends and investors eager to embark on this health journey. This fundraising effort comes despite facing several rejections from potential backers, primarily due to concerns stemming from the Theranos scandal. But Evans remains undeterred, actively pitching Haemanthus to anyone who will listen.
Testing the Waters
Before jumping into human testing, Haemanthus plans to experiment with animals, ensuring that the technology is sound and effective. The budding company hopes to build upon its sophisticated roadmap, outlined in a patent filed in January, which indicates it involves testing using not just blood, but also sweat, urine, and saliva in small quantities.
The Technology Behind Haemanthus
If Haemanthus can deliver on its promises, it may be a game changer in the health sector. The company’s marketing materials suggest that their technology is capable of detecting a range of illnesses, including cancers and infections, in just a matter of seconds. They are even beyond just traditional diagnosis; they envision a future where there might be a wearable version of their testing device targeted at enhancing human health optimization.
An Eerie Resemblance
Interestingly, the prototype of the Haemanthus device bears a striking resemblance to Theranos’s infamous “Edison” machine, which similarly promised rapid blood testing. This comparison has fueled debates among investors and health professionals alike, with many approaching with a cautious sense of déjà vu when they hear of Haemanthus.
Holmes’s Shadow
Adding yet another layer to the narrative, it’s important to remember that Billy Evans is also the partner of Elizabeth Holmes, who is currently serving an 11-year prison sentence for her role in defrauding investors with Theranos. The couple welcomed two children together, and this personal connection adds a unique emotional element to Evans’s new venture.
Focus on Fido Before Humans
Initially, Haemanthus has set its sights on the pet health market. It’s an intriguing first step, as this approach may allow the company to gain credibility and validate its technology without the immediate pressures that come with human testing. Customers considering diagnostics for their furry companions might serve as a more forgiving audience.
Investor Skepticism
Despite Evans’s enthusiasm and the significant funds raised, skepticism abounds among potential investors. Many have turned down opportunities to fund Haemanthus, citing anxieties stemming from the Theranos experience. This raises the question: Can Haemanthus truly break free from its predecessor’s shadow?
A Broad Ambition
Ultimately, the ambition behind Haemanthus is described as one of “human health optimization.” This broad goal speaks not just to illness detection but also to the overall enhancement of human health through innovative testing technology. Will it make waves in the industry or will history repeat itself? Only time will tell as Evans navigates the waters of health technology with Haemanthus.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- The New York Times
- Wikipedia: Elizabeth Holmes
- The Guardian
- Google Search: Haemanthus blood testing
- TechCrunch
- Encyclopedia Britannica: blood testing
- Newsweek
- Google News: Elizabeth Holmes new startup
- The Daily Beast
- Google Scholar: Elizabeth Holmes
