2024 Impact and Sustainability Report.
Introduction
Dear Stakeholders, We are pleased to present the 2024 Impact and Sustainability Report. This document underscores the unwavering commitment of D-Tails Srl SB, an innovative Benefit Corporation at the forefront of non-invasive diagnostics for neurodegenerative and oncological diseases.
With over three decades of innovation, our company integrates patented technologies, strategic partnerships, and a scalable business model to provide tangible, non-invasive, and accessible medical solutions.
In a global context marked by geopolitical and economic challenges, D-Tails emerges as a concrete response to the evolving needs of the healthcare sector, committed to driving ethical, environmental, and social progress.
Geopolitical and Economic Context and Global Healthcare Challenges
The year 2024 unfolds in an international scenario characterized by geopolitical tensions and economic uncertainties. Global dynamics, influenced by regional crises, instability in energy markets, and inationary pressures, pose significant challenges for the healthcare sector as well.
Worldwide, the rising prevalence of chronic and neurodegenerative diseases, combined with an aging population, highlights the urgent need for rapid, reliable, and economically sustainable diagnostic systems. In this scenario, the ability to provide innovative and non-invasive solutions becomes a key factor in enhancing healthcare efficiency, reducing costs, and ultimately improving community health. D-Tails addresses these needs by researching and developing advanced technologies that combine scientific rigor with practical applications, offering diagnostic tools capable of anticipating disease onset and optimizing treatment pathways. Our solutions are designed for seamless implementation across diverse healthcare settings, ensuring economic sustainability and scalability on a global level.
Business Context and Model
D-Tails operates within the Life Sciences sector with a dual mission:
- Alzheimer Detection (AD): The development of an innovative diagnostic system based on a biomarker for tau protein (BT1), combined with high-resolution retinal imaging technology, enables the noninvasive detection of pathological aggregates. Supported by a ve-year non-dilutive grant of 3.4 million from F.I.S.A./MUR, this project includes the development of a delivery solution (BODIPY) for in vitro and in vivo applications, positioning itself as a crucial tool for early disease detection;
- Cancer Detection (CD): The creation of a lateral flow diagnostic kit for screening breast and prostate cancer, with future applications for pancreatic cancer. Based on a biosensor technology that has achieved over 97% accuracy in urine sample testing, this project benets from a subsidized 0.9 million grant under the PR FERS Lazio program. Completion is expected by September 2025;
- iFluor: The development and commercialization of an innovative fluorescence imaging system integrated with micrfluidics. This compact and portable instrument offers high-resolution imaging at a low cost and serves as an accessible alternative to traditional confocal microscopy. Commercial rollout is scheduled for the second half of 2025.
Our business model is tailored to the specic characteristics of each project. It targets strategic sectors such as the pharmaceutical industry, diagnostic laboratories, and research institutions, ensuring swift market adoption.
Key Achievements in 2024
Throughout 2024, D-Tails has accomplished signicant milestones, reinforcing its leadership in diagnostic innovation:
Scientific and Technological Advancements:
- Significant progress in the AD and CD projects, with prototyping and research validation advancements;
- Filing new patent applications and developing an intellectual property strategy to safeguard technological innovations.
Collaborations and Funding:
- Strengthening of our scientific and industrial network, including establishing the Scientific Advisory Board (SAB) in June 2024, integrating top-tier international expertise;
- Access to non-dilutive funding (over five years) totaling 4.3 million, underscoring our ongoing projects’ financial solidity and strategic relevance.
Environmental and Social Impact:
- Implementing continuous training programs for our team of over twenty professionals, fostering the development of multidisciplinary competencies;
- Adoption of initiatives to minimize environmental impact, including monitoring energy consumption and promoting public transport for corporate travel.
Product Innovation and Market Adoption:
- Presentation of the iFluor prototype at the Neuroscience 2024 conference, generating significant interest and leading to negotiations for distribution agreements with potential partners across APAC, China, North America, and Europe;
- Promising results in the CD project, with urine sample tests confirming an accuracy rate exceeding 97% in distinguishing cancer patients from healthy individuals.
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) Achieved
Our 2024 Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) have been fully met:
1- Technological Excellence and Innovation:
- Advancement of AD and CD development phases, achieving optimal technological maturity and securing patent protection for innovations.
2- Financial Efficiency:
- Successful access to non-dilutive funding exceeding 4.3 million, reinforcing the company’s nancial sustainability.
3- Social Impact and Training:
- Strengthen continuous training programs and enhance internal expertise and corporate culture.
4- Environmental Impact Reduction:
- Implementation of energy consumption monitoring policies and sustainable practices, including extensive use of public transport.
Proposed New KPIs for 2025
To further strengthen our commitment to sustainable growth, we propose the introduction of the following KPIs for 2025:
1- Reduction of Operational Environmental Impact:
- Objective: To reduce Co₂ emissions from operational activities by 15-20% by adopting renewable energy technologies and continuous consumption monitoring.
2- Acceleration of Technology Transfer:
- Objective: Work towards reducing the average time required for transitioning from prototyping to product commercialization by 20-25%, optimizing the technical and clinical validation cycle for faster market adoption. Specifically: for 2025, the focus will be on iFluor, while for AD and CD, this target will be assessed over five and three years, respectively.
Future Prospects and Commitments
Looking ahead, D-Tails aims to:
Support Innovation Development: Continue investing in R&D to refine AD technology, complete the development of the CD kit, and initiate the commercialization of iFluor, further reducing validation timelines and facilitating market integration.
Expand the Collaboration Network: Strengthen strategic international partnerships, engaging centers of excellence and research institutions for clinical validation and widespread adoption of our solutions.
Integrate Sustainability Best Practices: Implement additional environmental and social monitoring tools, reinforcing the culture of sustainability across all corporate operations.
Enhance Social Responsibility: Continue promoting initiatives that improve community well-being and encourage ethical and transparent business practices, in alignment with our Code of Ethics and ESG principles.
Conclusion
The 2024 Impact and Sustainability Report of D-Tails Srl SB reects our steadfast commitment to merging scientic excellence and technological innovation with social and environmental responsibility, addressing a complex and evolving global landscape. The achievements of the past year and the prospects outlined for 2025 reinforce our ability to navigate geopolitical, economic, and healthcare challenges while prioritizing quality, transparency, and sustainability.
We sincerely thank all collaborators, partners, and stakeholders for their support and trust—key elements that enable us to pursue our mission toward a more innovative, sustainable, and inclusive future.