Protean BioDiagnostics: Redefining Cancer Care with Innovation and Precision

A Vision Born from Experience and a Drive to Close the Gap:

Protean BioDiagnostics emerged from Dr. Anthony Magliocco’s 30-year career in cancer diagnostics and treatment. Witnessing inefficiencies and gaps in the system, Dr. Magliocco realized that the rapid advancements in molecular diagnostics and artificial intelligence were not being fully leveraged to improve patient outcomes. Dr magliocco likens it to “the age of the Renaissance and the invention of the printing press where information could be more easily shared beyond the castles.” He continues “Protean brings the latest advances from the castles of medicine, the leading academic centers, to accelerate access to life-changing advances for all patients no matter where they are “

Inspired by his belief in the potential of integrated solutions, he founded Protean BioDiagnostics to transform cancer care by offering doctors fast, accessible, and actionable diagnostic insights.

A Culture of Collaboration and Momentum:

Protean BioDiagnostics thrives on a culture of innovation and teamwork. Dr. Magliocco explains, “Our mission to improve cancer outcomes attracts people who want to make a difference. They come here to turn ideas into action, to impact lives today—not tomorrow.” Collaboration is at the heart of the company, with data scientists, pathologists, bioinformatics experts, and clinicians working together to develop groundbreaking solutions. This dynamic environment fuels the company’s momentum, allowing Protean to bring life-changing technologies to market faster.

Innovating Cancer Diagnostics:

Protean BioDiagnostics stands apart by integrating cutting-edge technologies to streamline cancer diagnosis and treatment. Their system consolidates data from various sources—genetic analysis, pathology, radiology, and clinical history—into a single, actionable report for doctors. Protean’s tests are among the fastest in the industry, providing results in as little as one day, compared to the industry average of six weeks. “We simplify the entire process, enabling doctors to make quicker, better-informed decisions,” Dr. Magliocco shares. This holistic approach not only saves time but also reduces costs, delivering accessible and efficient cancer care.

Overcoming Challenges:

Navigating a highly regulated industry with entrenched legacy systems has been one of Protean’s biggest hurdles. Many healthcare providers rely on outdated technology and siloed data systems, slowing adoption of innovative solutions. “We’re like a startup in a world of castles,” Dr. Magliocco says. Protean’s modular, scalable lab design and cloud-based data systems allow the company to overcome these barriers, providing cutting-edge services that can integrate seamlessly with existing infrastructures. Despite challenges, Protean’s relentless focus on patient outcomes has helped the company gain traction and attract partners globally.

What it Means to Be an Honoree:

For Dr. Magliocco and his team, being named a GrowFL honoree is a recognition of their hard work and vision. “This award isn’t just about us—it’s about the patients whose lives we’re working to improve every day,” he says. The honor reinforces Protean’s mission and highlights its potential to revolutionize cancer care on a global scale. “It’s humbling to be recognized among such innovative companies,” he adds, “and it motivates us to keep pushing forward.”

Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

Dr. Magliocco offers practical advice for those embarking on entrepreneurial journeys: “Be absolutely sure you want to take this journey. It’s not for the faint of heart. Build a strong foundation with the right team and mentors because you’ll need their support on the tough days.” He emphasizes the importance of learning from others’ experiences and being deliberate in setting a solid groundwork for sustainable growth.

Notable Community Involvement:

Protean BioDiagnostics is deeply integrated into the Lake Nona Medical City community, collaborating with the UCF Medical School and hosting internships to nurture the next generation of medical innovators. Dr. Magliocco is also committed to addressing disparities in cancer outcomes, spearheading research into why certain populations face higher cancer rates and worse outcomes. Protean actively partners with global organizations to share its expertise and expand access to cutting-edge diagnostics, demonstrating its commitment to transforming cancer care not just locally but worldwide.