OneCell Diagnostics bags $16M to help limit cancer recurrence using AI
Summary
The startup combines the circulating tumor cell DNA with its RNA and cell surface protein testing.This helps provide better diagnosis, with at least 100 times more information than the current liquid biopsy testing, which largely revolves around cell-free DNA and ctDNA, said co-founder and CEO Mohan Uttarwar.The startup has also developed an app called iCare, which works as a precision oncology console to help oncologists interpret test reports using AI and machine learning. Our goal is that every oncologist in every hospital in every corner of the world should adapt precision oncology, he asserted.OneCell has developed a proprietary glass bead that uses antibodies and has an affinity toward cancer cells. Nonetheless, since OneCell aims to launch in the U.S., it chose to target specifically the recurrence patient market.Science and technology are pretty powerful and do work, but the business side of us have decided not to enter that very high-risk area, Uttarwar said.The startup includes Guardant Health and Natera, as well as various Indian diagnostic companies, among its competitors. However, Uttarwar told TechCrunch the precision in diagnosis and affordability, which is one-fifth the price the competition charges, makes it stand apart.Founded in 2021, OneCell operates under the B2B2C model, offering its biopsy testing to patients through oncologists and hospitals in India. Additionally, it has added Nobel laureate James Rothman to the board.The fresh capital will help OneCell expand into the U.S. and scale its business in India, Uttarwar said.The startup projects to reach over 1,000 oncologists and a million patients in the near term.