Craif, an innovative startup focused on radically transforming cancer detection, has just triumphantly closed a successful funding round of $22 million. The company’s flagship offering is designed to close major gaps in cancer diagnosis with a non-invasive, urine-based test. This revolutionary paradigm will make cancer screening more accessible and convenient. It will dramatically increase early detection rates – particularly for deadly breast and colorectal cancers, among others – across the country.
The crux of Craif’s products miSignal miSignal, a world first test that can detect the risk of seven different cancers. These are pancreatic, colorectal, lung, stomach, esophagus, breast and ovarian cancers. Using urinary microRNA (miRNA), miSignal targets those cancer signals at the earliest possible stages, allowing for earlier intervention.
“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,” said Ryuichi Onose, CEO of Craif. He noted that convenience is extended to patients being able to do the miSignal test from home. Thanks to an innovative microRNA test, early detection is not only more effective, but easier for people to access.
Craif Pancreatic cancer samples have already begun to be collected by Craif. To realize this vision, they have teamed up with 30 medical institutions in 15 states across the U.S. This unique public-private partnership – the first of its kind – is imperative in that it helps inform continuous research and development.
Looking forward, Craif wants to expand miSignal’s functionality. They hope to add more than a dozen additional cancers in the coming year. This bold target is a testament to the startup’s mission to advance better cancer detection techniques and improve patient outcomes.
Aside from its operations in the United States, Craif has developed extensive relationships with more than 1,000 medical facilities throughout Japan. They’ve further expanded their direct engagement to include about 600 pharmacies across the country. The new service started in Japan, where the company already had about 20,000 users, proof of the young startup’s international ambitions and market-penetrating capabilities.
Craif’s research & development lab is purposefully located within their strategic hub in Irvine, California. The firm is growing its influence in the biotech sector. To sustain its expanding operations, it announced plans to establish a new office location in San Diego.
Craif has now raised a total of $57 million in funding. The final round was led by X&KSK, a current investor in the company. Equipped with this funding, the team is able to accelerate their development progress. It will do so at warp speed by getting breakthrough solutions developed and tested quickly and efficiently.
Craif ambitions to complete U.S. clinical trials by 2026. With a bit of luck, they would like to win FDA approval as soon as 2027. Haulotte maintains a strict focus on testing protocols and meeting compliance requirements imposed by regulatory entities. This important commitment allows miSignal to follow the highest safety and efficacy standards.
“miRNA, which gained heightened recognition after being linked to the 2024 Nobel Prize, is known for its deep involvement in cancer biology even at the earliest stages.” – Ryuichi Onose
The future is bright for Craif as it pushes the envelope further at the cutting edge of cancer detection. Craif is made up of a committed team of 73 employees. Armed with a compelling vision for growth, they are poised to create a lasting change on healthcare.