OneCell Diagnostics Secures $16M for AI-Powered Cancer Recurrence Detection

OneCell Diagnostics: Revolutionizing Cancer Recurrence Detection

OneCell Diagnostics, a genomics-based startup in precision oncology, has secured $16 million in an oversubscribed Series A funding round led by Celesta Capital 1

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. The company aims to address the growing global cancer crisis by developing innovative technology to detect cancer recurrence using artificial intelligence and advanced liquid biopsy techniques.

The Global Cancer Challenge

According to the World Health Organization, cancer cases are projected to increase by 77% worldwide by 2050, affecting over 35 million people 1

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. With cancer recurrence rates varying between 15% and 100% depending on various factors, there is a critical need for effective diagnostic solutions to curb recurrence.

OneCell's Innovative Approach

OneCell has developed a proprietary cell biopsy technology that detects cancer recurrence through circulating tumor cells (CTCs) 1

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. Their process involves:

1. A 10ml blood draw collected by a phlebotomist at the patient's home
2. Analysis of the blood sample using a combination of scientific methods and AI
3. A technique called True-Single-Cell-Multi-omics, which combines CTC-DNA with RNA and cell surface protein testing

This approach provides at least 100 times more information than current liquid biopsy testing methods 1

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AI-Powered Precision Oncology

OneCell has also developed an AI-driven app called iCare, which serves as a precision oncology console for oncologists 1

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. The app uses machine learning to help interpret test reports, bridging the gap in precision oncology training among medical professionals.

Market Strategy and Expansion

Founded in 2021, OneCell operates under a B2B2C model, offering its services through oncologists and hospitals 1

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. The company has:

• Served nearly 10,000 patients in India
• Developed partnerships with top Indian hospitals and academic institutions
• Plans to expand into the U.S. market with its OncoIndx Ikon test

OneCell's competitive edge lies in its precision diagnosis and affordability, with prices reportedly one-fifth of its competitors 1

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Funding and Future Plans

The $16 million Series A round saw participation from various investors, including Tenacity Ventures, Cedars-Sinai, Eragon, and Singularity Ventures 1

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. Nobel Laureate James Rothman has joined the company's board 1

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OneCell plans to use the funding to:

1. Expand into the U.S. market
2. Scale its business in India
3. Reach over 1,000 oncologists and a million patients in the near term

As OneCell Diagnostics continues to innovate at the intersection of cell science and data science, it aims to democratize precision oncology and make advanced cancer testing more accessible and affordable worldwide 3

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