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Japanese Healthtech Startup Secured $22M In Series C
Ever thought what would have happened if an artificial intelligence machine could identify one of the severe diseases, Cancer, in its early stages, which has been the leading cause of death globally? Sounds helpful, but impossible, right? But Craif, a Japanese Healthtech startup made this possible.
Summary:
1. Craif, a Japanese AI startup, has secured $22m in series C startup funding to develop an AI-powered early cancer detector system.
2. The startup, derived from Nagoya University, uses microRNA (miRNA) to detect cancer in its early stages, aiming to save lives.
3. The funding round led by X&KSK and Unreasonable Group, totaling $57 million, bolsters Craif’s R&D efforts.
This has been made possible by a Japanese AI startup that has secured $22m in startup funding in series C. The healthtech startup can identify cancer in the early stages to save as many lives as possible. So, let’s take a round and explore how this healthtech startup works and analyze the symptoms of Cancer in the initial stages.
Craif, derived from Nagoya University in 2018 in Japan, uses a microRNA(miRNA) to create an AI-powered early cancer detector system that grabbed $22M in startup funding in series C to further expand in U.S. markets and bolster its R&D.
Ryuichi Onose, Co-founder and CEO of Craif, said that the company has recently raised $22m in a series C round.
X&KSK, who’s already backed Craif, led the latest funding round, which made its total raise to $57 million to date with U.S.-based group, Unreasonable Group, its first investment in a Japanese startup, TAUNS Laboratories, Daiwa House Industry, and AOZORA Bank Group.
How the Journey of Craif Healthtech Started?
Craif started when Onose observed how deeply Cancer had affected his family and his grandparents, who also got diagnosed with Cancer. This personal experience has motivated him to take action against this and do something genuinely to address this severe concern. Onose and Takao, an associate professor at Nagoya University, launched Craif instantly after a month they met. Yasui invented a new artificial intelligence method to detect cancer using urinary biomarkers.
Early detection of a treatable ailment can be difficult since standard diagnostic measures such as blood testing are intrusive, which causes some people to postpone frequent screening, according to Onose. Furthermore, limited access to medical facilities in certain places makes it difficult for people to undergo cancer testing, according to Onose.
Craif hopes to fill these gaps by developing an invasive urine-based test for early cancer detection, even at a very early stage, especially Stage 1.
Onose said, “The test can be conducted from the comfort of a patient’s home and is operated by advanced microRNA analysis, making early detection more accessible and effective.” Our users are health-conscious individuals who are concerned about cancer but find it challenging to commit to conventional screenings due to time, cost, and accessibility constraints.”
A few healthtech startups like Grail, Freenome, DELFI Diagnostics, and Clearnote Health are making platforms for early cancer detection in the market.
Craif stands out by using microRNA as a biomarker rather than cfDNA (cell-free DNA) like the major competitors, and using urine.
“miRNA, which received higher recognition after being linked to the 2024 Nobel Prize, is known for its deep involvement in cancer biology even at the earliest stages,” according to Onose. “Unlike cfDNA, miRNA is proactively produced by early cancer cells, making it particularly suitable for early cancer detection.”
The company CEO said, Craif’s first product, miSignal, a test that detects the risk of seven distinct cancers (pancreatic, colon, lung, stomach, esophagus, breast, and ovarian) using urinary miRNA, is already successful in Japan. The items are sold through clinics, pharmacies, direct-to-consumer sales, and corporate wellness programs, providing a diverse revenue stream that can be increased.
