Investing and Global Finance News

Author Archives: Tom Sanderson

How Anu Saad Propelled a Cancer Testing Startup to the Forefront of Patient Care

This article was originally published on June 19, 2014.
Based on the March 2002 article in IndUS Business Journal entitled “Anu Saad – Making her mark”.

Anu Saad has led a remarkable transition from academia to spearheading impressive growth of a cancer testing startup she took over as CEO. With no prior business experience, Saad grew the company from a small private firm to a major public corporation generating $189 million in annual revenue over nine years under her leadership.

Saad’s journey began in India before her family immigrated to America when she was 11. Though no one in her family had a science background, Saad developed a lifelong passion for biology and medicine from a young age. She earned multiple science degrees including a PhD in developmental biology and taught at Cornell University. However, Saad grew dissatisfied with the narrow academic focus and was intrigued by the societal impact created in industry.

In 1990, two academics founding a cancer testing startup recruited Saad as their Scientific Director. Saad recognized an opportunity to apply her expertise to directly improve patient lives. Within three years as CEO, she oversaw explosive growth – from 15 to 1,100 employees currently.

Under Saad’s leadership, the startup has stayed rigorously focused on a mission of bridging scientific discovery with practical cancer care for community hospitals lacking access to academic centers. The firm offers specialized testing and biopharma research services and has amassed a database of over 700,000 diagnostic profiles, tracking outcomes on 1.7 million patients.

While some analysts have recently questioned the startup’s stock performance and cash collection challenges, it remains an undisputed leader in quality cancer diagnostic services. Saad also continues an aggressive growth strategy, including a recent acquisition to enhance analytics offerings.

Colleagues credit Saad’s unique blend of scientific and business talent for the startup’s emergence as an informatics powerhouse in the cancer space. Saad notes her proudest accomplishments are accelerating research and making a direct difference for over 200,000 patients last year alone.


Record High Gold Prices

Gold prices hit a record high on Monday, reaching the highest level since gold futures began trading in 1974. Traders are hopeful that the Federal Reserve will lower interest rates later this year. The price for April delivery of gold jumped up $30.60, closing at $2,126.30 per ounce. This marks the second day in a… Continue Reading

Founder of Bob’s Red Mill Passes Away at Age 94

Bob Moore, the esteemed founder of Bob’s Red Mill and a prominent figure in the natural foods industry, has died at the age of 94. Moore, who passed away peacefully at his home on Saturday, February 10, 2024, is celebrated for his indelible impact on the health food sector and his unwavering commitment to whole… Continue Reading

Afternoon Tea Makes a Quiet Comeback

A new trend has emerged in our increasingly fast-paced world, specifically in New York and Los Angeles: elaborate afternoon tea. Teahouses are a sanctuary from the outside world, an escape from social media and digital devices, and customers are drawn to the nostalgic quiet over the hustle and bustle found in coffee houses. Across both… Continue Reading

World Travel Awards Names Miami Beach as 2023’s “World’s Leading Lifestyle Destination.”

The World Travel Awards named Miami Beach the “World’s Leading Lifestyle Destination 2023,” marking another achievement for the city in a year filled with accolades. Over the past year, the renowned destination had secured the titles: “North America’s Leading Beach Destination” and “North America’s Leading City Destination.” Grisette Marcos, Executive Director of the Miami Beach… Continue Reading

Flying Taxis on the Horizon

While flying taxis may seem like the wave of the far off future, the F.A.A recently published a report delineating a plan for an air taxi market by 2028. Though there are many obstacles to overcome in order to create a market for air taxis, the FAA is confident about their 2028 start date. Air… Continue Reading

Where is Social Media Trending?

The New York Times reports that social media is trending in a new direction. While originally emerging as platforms to keep up with old and new friends through sharing photos and life updates, now these same sites are riddled with ads and sponsored posts. There has been a shift from connecting individuals to connecting individuals… Continue Reading

80 Years since first double-blind clinical trial; Spotlight on leading Texas-based Ventavia Research Group

Clinical trials have been part of medicine since 1747, when Dr. James Lind began researching a treatment for scurvy. This year, 2023, commemorates the first double-blind clinical trial, which took place in the UK in 1943 in an effort to find treatment for the common cold. In this trial, neither the treating doctor not the… Continue Reading

Businesses Adopting Sustainability Model in 2023

A recent report from Aflac shows that 77% of 2023 consumers are more willing to buy from a company with a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) pledge. In 2023, businesses are incorporating sustainability into their models. Adopting a sustainable approach, though, may require large overhauls to the company’s operations. Top organizations are recognizing the importance of… Continue Reading