Early cancer detection Japanese startup Craif has found a new approach to detecting cancer at an early stage. Uniquely, they use urinary biomarkers, representing a truly groundbreaking innovation in medical diagnostics. The good news is the company recently announced a $22 million round of funding! This will greatly increase its capacity to make the leap into American financial markets with its key product, miSignal. Craif is deeply engaged in bringing their first clinical trials to the United States by the end of 2026. They hope to gain FDA approval by 2027 at the earliest.
The miSignal test represents a non-invasive, quick, and easy-to-use solution that’s based on urine samples. It enables the early detection of over 20 forms of cancer, including Stage 1. Craif prides itself on its team of 73 men and women. Their goal is to provide personalized cancer screening that’s convenient and accessible to everyone, whatever that looks like for individuals. In its first full calendar year, by the end of 2024, Craif brought in $5 million in revenue. This year, they’re shooting for an even more astounding target of $15 million.
Craif’s complementary approach relies on advanced microRNA analysis to boost the sensitivity and specificity of cancer detection. The company currently partners with over 1,000 medical institutions and approximately 600 pharmacies across Japan, serving around 20,000 users who seek proactive health management. Their founders are convinced that their novel technology is a key to overcoming many of the barriers of entry of regular cancer screenings.
According to Ryuichi Onose, one of Craif’s representatives, what makes their testing method stand out is its simplified ease of use.
“The test can be conducted from the comfort of a patient’s home and is powered by advanced microRNA analysis, making early detection more accessible and effective.” – Ryuichi Onose
The company’s vision is run even deeper than miSignal! They’re working to widen its reach, so that it can detect more than ten distinct types of cancers in under a year. This expansion is a perfect fit for Craif’s mission to deliver early, accurate detection to individuals at risk.
Besides its operations in Japan, Craif has opened an R&D laboratory in Irvine, California. The lab is an important component of the company’s strategy to push the envelope for developing and refining its testing processes. Last year, Craif began accruing pancreatic cancer tissue samples for research. They collaborated with 30 medical institutions spanning 15 U.S. States to provide the foundation for subsequent studies of efficacy and eventual market introduction.
The startup is tackling cancer detection from an innovative, proactive perspective. This approach helps address the growing need for early detection and places Craif at the forefront of an evolving medical technology sector. The company has ambitious plans to roll out in the U.S. It is poised to usher in a lasting change to the way we detect and treat cancer.
“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.” – Ryuichi Onose
The startup’s proactive approach to cancer detection not only addresses a growing demand for early diagnosis but also positions Craif as a key player in the evolving landscape of medical technology. As it prepares for its entry into the U.S. market, the company is poised to make a lasting impact on how cancer is detected and managed.
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