Dutch biotech company SkylineDx reported on Monday the receipt of EUR20m in capital to proceed with its skin cancer (melanoma) diagnostic test from Benelux' largest biotech investor Aat van Herk.

This melanoma test was reportedly discovered by a renowned US hospital and is further being optimised and developed by SkylineDx.

Based on the unique combination of genetic information from the primary melanoma cells and other patient and tumour characteristics, the company's test is able to accurately predict the risk of having metastases present in the lymph nodes without having to undergo a surgery to remove part of the lymph nodes. Up to 80% of these biopsies could be safely avoided as they turn out to have no sign of cancerous cells.

The company added that it has appointed Professor Alexander Eggermont as it medical advisor. He is the general director of cancer center Gustave Roussy in Paris and a highly respected expert physician in the melanoma space.