(Reuters) – Venture capital firm Flagship Pioneering said on Tuesday it has appointed former U.S. Food & Drug Administration Commissioner Stephen Hahn as the head of its newly launched diagnostic company for early detection of cancer.
The company, Harbinger Health, will use its proprietary AI and machine learning platform to identify cancer before it is visible or symptomatic through high-resolution, blood-based tests.
Harbinger Health is geared toward early detection that enables the diagnosis and treatment of cancer and ultimately to effectively reduce morbidity and mortality associated with the disease, Hahn said in a statement.
Hahn served as FDA chief between December 2019 and January 2021.
Flagship, which also has stakes in several other biotech companies, including Moderna Inc, has made initial commitment to Harbinger Health of $50 million.
(Reporting by Mrinalika Roy in Bengaluru; Editing by Shailesh Kuber)
