Tina Nova

When we first wrote about Tina Nova 6 1/2 years ago she was the fresh CEO at start-up Genoptix, backed by Drew Senyei’s money and charged with breaking into biotech’s diagnostic business. An accomplished scientist, Nova was a rarity in her industry as a woman CEO. (See sandiegometro.com/2001/jun/coverstory.html.)

Today, the company shefounded is a success, both helping save lives and earning a profit, a feat most life science companies never attain. Nova also is scoring financial applause where it matters most: on Wall Street.

Genoptix went public in late October, earning the company $72.7 million. The $17 asking price proved a bargain, with shares jumping past $25.

In 2008, look for Nova to take that money and further hone the company’s expertise: speedy testing for cancer cells (now primarily bone marrow and blood) and personal service to oncologists to help them craft custom treatments.