A Newcastle University spin-out, which is working on the fight against skin cancer, has secured £1.6m in a funding round, enabling it to make "bigger inroads into the market" and accelerate its US growth. 

AMLo Biosciences has developed a diagnostic test called AMBLor, which allows clinicians to ascertain whether early-stage melanomas are at low-risk of progression. 

By using the test, clinicians can more efficiently detect the level of urgency in cases meaning that patients at genuine risk can be prioritised.

The company has received £800,000 of investment from North East-based VC Northstar Ventures, matched by Esperante Ventures. 

Recently, AMLo Biosciences gained the UKCA mark for its test, which means that the kid can be used throughout the UK in both public and private healthcare systems. It is also operating in the US, with potential to take the product to the global market. 

Alex Buchan, investment director, Northstar Ventures, said: "We have supported AMLo since the company's inception in 2018, an indication of how strongly we are committed to their aim to alleviate the challenges faced by the medical profession and provide better outcomes for melanoma sufferers. We are extremely pleased for them and are keen to support them on their journey as they make bigger inroads into the market."

Marie Labus, chief executive, AMLo Biosciences, added: "The AMLo executive team recognises the confidence that Northstar Ventures has in the whole team and AMLo's technology with the initial and subsequent investment support since 2018. At the point at which our USA launch is just starting to take off and we are seeing real interest from the UK, this investment means that we can start to build the company further into growth."