Methyl Detect

What Methyl Detect does

MethylDetect ApS is a privately held Danish biotechnology company founded in January 2017 and headquartered in Aalborg with a second office in Aarhus. The company commercializes Methylation-Sensitive High-Resolution Melting (MS-HRM) technology, an alternative to sequencing-based methods for detecting locus-specific DNA methylation, and packages it as ready-to-use kits that run on standard laboratory real-time PCR instruments equipped with high-resolution melting modules. Its core product line, the EpiMelt Methylation Detection Assays, comprises more than 850 gene-specific assays organized by biological pathway and cancer type, supported by an EpiMelt Bisulfite Modification Kit for sample preparation, an EpiMelt Real-Time PCR Master Mix optimized for the workflow, and a proprietary Assay Specific Control System shipped with each kit to ensure reliability. MethylDetect also offers Custom-Tailored EpiMelt Services for bespoke assay design against genomic targets not in the standard catalog and for challenging sample types such as FFPE tissue and liquid biopsies.

The company serves academic and commercial life science researchers conducting epigenetics studies — particularly in oncology (breast, colorectal, gastric, liver, lung, prostate, melanoma, and hematologic cancers), metabolic disease, forensics, and clinical biomarker development. Its business model is the sale of research-use-only reagent kits (assays, bisulfite conversion kits, master mix) via a direct e-commerce storefront and an international distributor network led by TATAA Biocenter, supplemented by custom assay development services priced on a quote basis. All products are explicitly labeled "For Research Use Only — Not for Use in Diagnostic Procedures," positioning MethylDetect as a tools provider to the research market rather than a clinical diagnostics company.

MethylDetect has been funded primarily through non-dilutive innovation grants, including the InnoBooster Program from Innovation Fund Denmark (January 2019), and an early seed investment from Borean Innovation (June 2018). It has also qualified for the Accelerace seed accelerator and was a finalist at SCALE-UP Denmark 2018. The company is led by CEO and co-founder Tomasz K. Wojdacz with co-founder A/Professor Lise Lotte Hansen. Distribution and reagent supply partnerships — notably with TATAA Biocenter (2019) and Ampliqon A/S (2019) — form the backbone of its commercial expansion outside Denmark, and scientific credibility is reinforced by peer-reviewed citations of its MS-HRM technology in journals such as Scientific Reports and Nature Biotechnology.

Name

Methyl Detect

Legal name

MethylDetect ApS

Website

https://methyldetect.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2017

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

MethylDetect ApS is a Danish biotech that sells ready-to-use EpiMelt DNA methylation detection assay kits based on MS-HRM technology. It serves academic and commercial life science researchers in epigenetics, oncology, and biomarker discovery through direct e-commerce and a distributor network.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

DNA Methylation Detection Reagents / Epigenetics Research Kits

NAICS

In-Vitro Diagnostic Substance Manufacturing (325413), Research and Development in Biotechnology (except Nanobiotechnology) (541714)

SIC

In Vitro & In Vivo Diagnostic Substances (2835)

akta.pro primary industry

Bioanalytical & Biomarker Assays (Preclinical) (HLAGAFAK)

Keywords

• DNA methylation assays
• Epigenetics research kits
• MS-HRM technology
• Bisulfite modification kits
• Real-time PCR reagents

Headquarters

HQ city

Aalborg

HQ country

Denmark

HQ region

Europe

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Personnel, Technology or R&D, Supply Chain, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. EpiMelt Assay Kits: Sale of ready-to-use MS-HRM-based DNA methylation detection assay kits. Kits target specific gene promoter regions and are sold in reaction sizes of 200, 500, and 2500. The catalog includes over 850 gene-specific assays covering cancer research, DNA repair, and other disease areas. This is the primary revenue stream.
2. Bisulfite Modification Kits: Sale of bisulfite modification standard kits for DNA conversion prior to methylation analysis. Available in 50 and 200 reaction sizes. Complements the assay kits as a required reagent in the methylation detection workflow.
3. Real-Time PCR Master Mix: Sale of optimized hot-start PCR master mix specifically formulated for EpiMelt methylation detection assays. Sold as a companion product to the assay kits.
4. Custom-Tailored Assay Development: Bespoke design and production of EpiMelt assay kits for genomic targets not currently in the catalog. Performed in collaboration with the customer. Addresses specific researcher needs for custom genomic areas, sample types (FFPE, liquid biopsies, high-quality DNA), and expected methylation status (hypo- or hypermethylation).

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

MethylDetect ApS develops, manufactures, and sells ready-to-use EpiMelt DNA methylation detection assays and supporting reagents based on MS-HRM (Methylation Sensitive High Resolution Melting) technology, targeting researchers in epigenetics and oncology. The portfolio spans a catalogue of 850+ gene-specific assays, an EpiMelt Bisulfite Modification Standard Kit for sample conversion, an EpiMelt Real-Time PCR Master Mix optimized for HRM analysis, a proprietary Assay Specific Control System, and custom-tailored assay design services for targets and sample types (FFPE, liquid biopsy) not covered by the standard catalogue.

Product overview

Methyl Detect offers a portfolio of ready-to-use DNA methylation detection products based on MS-HRM (Methylation Sensitive High Resolution Melting) technology. The core offering is the EpiMelt Methylation Detection Assays catalog, featuring more than 850 gene-specific assays organized by pathway, cancer type, and gene targets. These assays work with standard laboratory real-time PCR equipment and include a proprietary assay-specific control system. Supporting products include the EpiMelt Bisulfite Modification Standard Kit for DNA sample preparation and the EpiMelt Real-Time PCR Master Mix optimized for the detection workflow. The company also provides custom-tailored assay development services for targets not in their standard catalog.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• EpiMelt: Ready-to-use DNA methylation detection assay kits based on MS-HRM technology. Includes EpiMelt Methylation Detection Assays, EpiMelt Real-Time PCR Master Mix, and EpiMelt Bisulfite Modification Kits.

Products and services

• EpiMelt Methylation Detection Assays Ready-to-use kits for detection of aberrant gene methylation based on MS-HRM technology, compatible with standard laboratory real-time PCR instruments equipped with high-resolution melting modules. Each kit includes a primer mix and proprietary Assay Specific Control System. Available in 200, 500, and 2500 reaction sizes, and targeting researchers in epigenetics, oncology, and molecular biology.
• EpiMelt Bisulfite Modification Standard Kit Column-based kit for streamlined bisulfite conversion and purification of converted DNA, designed to minimize template degradation and loss during treatment and clean-up while providing high cytosine conversion rates. Suitable for downstream analyses including MS-HRM, qMSP, pyrosequencing, and bisulfite sequencing. Available in 50 and 200 reaction sizes.
• EpiMelt Real-Time PCR Master Mix Hot-start PCR master mix optimized for EpiMelt Methylation Detection Assays containing hot-start DNA polymerase, reaction buffer, dNTP mix, HRM dye, and MgCl2. Provides high sensitivity and robust performance across real-time PCR platforms.
• EpiMelt Assay Specific Control System Proprietary control system consisting of methylation positive control, methylation negative control, and assay calibration control used to ensure optimal measurement of methylation and experimental reliability. Applicable to the majority of other methylation screening technologies and capable of generating standard curves for q-MSP or MethyLight.
• Custom-Tailored EpiMelt Assay Development Bespoke design and production of EpiMelt assays for genomic targets not currently in the catalog, performed in collaboration with the customer. Addresses specific needs for sample type (FFPE tissue, liquid biopsies, or high-quality DNA) and expected methylation status (hypo- or hypermethylation).

Quantifiable outcome

• Assay time of approximately 90-120 minutes when performed on the LightCycler 480 System
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers1 record

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

Two partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• TATAA BiocentercoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 3 July 2019TATAA Biocenter (Göteborg, Sweden) serves as a distributor for MethylDetect's DNA methylation assays. In addition to distribution, the partnership includes co-development of MS-HRM methods courses, providing training and education on the technology for researchers in the Nordic and German markets.
• Ampliqon A/SminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 5 February 2019Ampliqon A/S (Aarhus-Odense, Denmark) entered into a collaboration agreement with MethylDetect ApS in February 2019. Ampliqon is a Danish biotech company developing and manufacturing molecular biology reagents including PCR enzymes and real-time PCR mixes. The collaboration likely involves product co-development or complementary reagent supply for methylation detection workflows.

Scale indicators2 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• New England Biolabs: New England Biolabs supplies enzymes and reagents used in DNA methylation workflows, including bisulfite-related products and PCR enzymes. While not a direct kit competitor in locus-specific methylation assays, its enzymes are alternatives to MethylDetect's recommended master-mix supply chain.
• Bio-Rad Laboratories: Bio-Rad provides qPCR instruments and supporting reagents including some methylation analysis kits and bisulfite-conversion products. Its qPCR systems are alternatives to the LightCycler 480 recommended in MethylDetect's workflow, creating overlap in customer purchase decisions.
• Promega: Promega manufactures molecular biology reagents including qPCR master mixes and sample preparation kits compatible with methylation workflows. It competes with MethylDetect's Real-Time PCR Master Mix offering as part of its broader life science reagent portfolio.
• MilliporeSigma: MilliporeSigma (Sigma-Aldrich) supplies a wide range of molecular biology and epigenetics reagents, including methylation controls and bisulfite kits. As a broad life science incumbent, its catalog competes with MethylDetect on individual catalog items rather than as a focused methylation specialist.
• Qiagen: Qiagen is a global molecular biology leader with a portfolio including bisulfite conversion kits, methylation analysis reagents, and sample preparation products. It is a broad incumbent whose methylation offerings overlap with MethylDetect but operate across a much larger portfolio of genomics and molecular diagnostics products.

Others

• TATAA Biocenter: TATAA Biocenter is a Swedish qPCR-focused service provider and distributor that distributes MethylDetect's products and co-develops MS-HRM training. While not a product competitor, it is a strategic commercial partner and an emerging player in molecular biology services that competes for training revenue.

Direct peers

• Zymo Research: Zymo Research is a direct competitor producing bisulfite conversion kits, DNA methylation standards, and locus-specific methylation analysis reagents. Its EZ DNA Methylation kit is an industry standard in the same workflow MethylDetect's EpiMelt Bisulfite Kit targets, making product and customer overlap nearly identical.
• Diagenode: Diagenode specializes in epigenetics products including methylation analysis kits, antibody-based tools, and bisulfite conversion reagents. It competes head-on with MethylDetect for epigenetics researchers and offers similar gene-specific methylation products alongside broader ChIP-seq and epigenomic services.
• EpiGentek: EpiGentek (EpiGentek Group) manufactures DNA methylation and epigenetics research kits including bisulfite conversion kits and global/loci-specific methylation assay products. It directly competes with MethylDetect in serving academic epigenetics and cancer biomarker labs.

Emerging players

• Active Motif: Active Motif produces epigenetics research reagents including methylation-specific antibodies, ChIP services, and bisulfite-related kits. While broader than MethylDetect, its methylation reagent line targets the same academic and translational researchers.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks7 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xtwitter.com/MethylDetect
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/methyldetect

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds1 record

Investors1 record

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Methyl Detect