Craif Secures $22M to Advance Early Cancer Detection Tech
▼ Summary
– Craif, a Japanese biotech startup, secured $22 million in Series C funding to expand its urine-based cancer detection technology into the U.S. market and accelerate research.
– The latest funding round, led by X&KSK, brings Craif’s total capital raised to $57 million, with new investors including Unreasonable Group, TAUNS Laboratories, and Daiwa House Industry.
– The company aims to gain FDA approval for U.S. expansion by 2029 and has partnered with 30 American medical institutions for pancreatic cancer sample collection.
Early cancer detection just took a major leap forward as biotech innovator Craif secures $22 million in Series C funding. The Japanese startup, known for its groundbreaking urine-based testing technology, plans to expand into the U.S. market while accelerating research into detecting cancer at its most treatable stages.
Cancer remains a leading global health crisis, with nearly 20 million new cases diagnosed annually. Current screening methods often involve invasive procedures or limited accessibility, creating barriers to early diagnosis. Craif’s solution leverages microRNA biomarkers found in urine—a painless, convenient alternative that could revolutionize how we detect cancer before symptoms appear.
The latest funding round, led by existing investor X&KSK, pushes Craif’s total capital raised to $57 million. New backers include Unreasonable Group, marking its first Japanese startup investment, alongside TAUNS Laboratories and Daiwa House Industry. CEO Ryuichi Onose revealed the company’s valuation now approaches $100 million, reflecting growing confidence in its mission.
Onose’s personal connection to cancer—his grandparents’ diagnoses—fueled Craif’s creation in 2018 alongside Nagoya University researcher Takao Yasui. Yasui’s work on urinary biomarkers became the foundation for their non-invasive testing platform, which identifies cancer risk through miRNA analysis. Unlike competitors relying on cell-free DNA (cfDNA), Craif’s approach targets molecules actively secreted by early-stage tumors, offering superior sensitivity.
The startup’s flagship product, miSignal, already screens for seven cancer types—including pancreatic, lung, and breast cancers—through Japan’s network of 1,000 clinics and 600 pharmacies. With 20,000 users and $5 million in 2024 revenue, Craif projects tripling sales by year-end. Subscription models dominate, appealing to health-conscious individuals deterred by traditional screening hurdles.
Expansion plans are ambitious: Craif aims to add three more cancers to miSignal’s detection capabilities this year while exploring applications for neurodegenerative diseases like dementia. A U.S. foothold is next, with trials targeting FDA approval by 2029. The company has already partnered with 30 American medical institutions to gather pancreatic cancer samples, laying groundwork for stateside validation.
By prioritizing accessibility and scientific rigor, Craif could redefine early cancer detection—turning routine urine tests into a powerful weapon against one of humanity’s deadliest adversaries.
(Source: TechCrunch)
