OneCell Diagnostics

Overview

OneCell Diagnostics is a genomics-based precision oncology company founded in 2021. It is known for developing innovative cancer diagnostic tools, especially utilizing a proprietary liquid biopsy technology that leverages single-cell multi-omics platforms. With a vision of democratizing precision oncology by making it accessible and affordable, OneCell has secured $16 million in an oversubscribed Series A funding round. Based in Cupertino, California, with operations in Silicon Valley and India, the company was co-founded by Mohan Uttarwar along with Aravindan Vasudevan.

Recent Developments

In November 2024, OneCell Diagnostics announced an oversubscribed Series A funding round amounting to $16 million, led by Celesta Capital, with participation from Tenacity Ventures, Cedars Sinai, Eragon, and Singularity Ventures.
November 2024: Celesta Capital's Managing Partner Michael Marks and Nobel Laureate Dr. James Rothman joined the OneCell board. This funding round was aimed at advancing the company's presence in the U.S. market with its new liquid biopsy test, OncoIndx Ikon.
November 2024: The OncoIndx Ikon test, set for U.S. rollout, is designed to detect circulating tumor cells, offering biomarkers for precise cancer diagnosis and treatment planning.
2023 Activities: At the Indian Cancer Congress 2023 in Mumbai, OneCell launched several new products, including OncoTarget, OncoPredikt, and others, leveraging AI and ML for enhanced precision oncology services.
The technology behind OneCell's diagnostics involves integrating CTC-DNA with CTC-RNA and cell surface protein testing, allowing for comprehensive biomarker analysis from a non-invasive blood draw.
OneCell has tested its biopsy technology on nearly 10,000 patients in India, demonstrating its ease of implementation and cost-effectiveness in lab settings worldwide.
OneCell continues to expand its network of strategic partners, including Harvard Medical School, Stanford University, and All India Institute of Medical Science, New Delhi, which bolsters its R&D capabilities and global reach.
2022 & 2023 Conferences: OneCell was active at major oncology conferences, showcasing its advancements in AI/ML analytics and circulating tumor cell (CTC) detection, aiming to broaden its impact in precision oncology.

Attribute	Information
Founding Date	2021
Headquarters	Cupertino, California, USA
Founders	Mohan Uttarwar, Aravindan Vasudevan
Revenue	Not disclosed
Key Investors	Celesta Capital, Tenacity Ventures, Cedars Sinai, Eragon, Singularity Ventures
Industry	Precision Oncology, Genomics
Number of Employees	Approximately 144 globally

Early History

OneCell Diagnostics was established in 2021 by Mohan Uttarwar and Aravindan Vasudevan. Leveraging their expertise in genomics, they embarked on a mission to revolutionize precision oncology using liquid biopsy technology. Early collaborations with academic and medical institutions such as Harvard Medical School and the Tata Memorial Centre facilitated rapid advancements and validation of their technologies. The company quickly positioned itself as a leader in the field by prioritizing accessibility and affordability in cancer diagnostics, focusing on cutting-edge technology integration such as single-cell multi-omics.

Company Profile and Achievements

OneCell Diagnostics operates at the intersection of technology and medicine, primarily focusing on the development of next-generation sequencing-based solutions for precision oncology. The company's groundbreaking products include OncoIndx, a genomic profiling test, and OncoPredikt, an AI-powered digital pathology tool.

Significant Milestones:
- 2021: Launched the proprietary OncoIndx and OncoDiscover tests, becoming the first in India to detect circulating tumor cells (CTCs) using a low blood volume.
- By 2023, the company partnered with several prestigious institutions, enhancing research and product development capabilities.
- 2024: Successfully raised $16 million in Series A funding, accelerating its U.S. market expansion and technology advancement.
Key Innovations:
- OneCell’s unique platform integrates sequenced data with bioinformatics and AI/ML analytics to offer personalized cancer treatments.
- The OncoPredikt tool provides predictive analytics, facilitating effective treatment decisions and reducing diagnostic turnaround times.
Strategic Growth:
- Focus on expanding the operational footprint across major markets, prioritizing using the U.S.-India corridor for research and clinical trial synergies.

Current Operations and Market Position

OneCell Diagnostics is positioning itself as a leader in precision oncology, emphasizing the use of AI and advanced genomics for innovative cancer diagnostics. The company’s current operations include expanding its liquid biopsy offerings beyond India and into the U.S. market.

Market Strategy: Focus on broadening partnerships with top-tier medical institutions and biotech firms globally to enhance its R&D capabilities.
Competitive Advantages: OneCell leverages its proprietary technology for a comprehensive diagnostic platform that integrates multiple biomarker analyses from a single blood sample, offering significant improvements over traditional biopsy methods.
Strategic Initiatives: The recent Series A funding will not only facilitate U.S. expansion but also advance the company’s product line with the introduction of OncoIndx Ikon, designed for the American healthcare landscape.

Conclusion

OneCell Diagnostics is carving a significant place in the precision oncology sector with its innovative genomic solutions and strategic alliances. The company’s commitment to utilizing AI and ML for comprehensive cancer diagnostics positions it well for future growth. Leveraging its recent multi-million dollar funding, OneCell is set to enhance its market presence in the USA and continue its mission to democratize access to precision oncology worldwide.