University-Spinoff Health Startups: Japan VC funding Part.2

On December 6, Craif, a health startup from Nagoya University, announced the launch of a new Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Project. Based in Bunkyo District, Tokyo, the startup, formerly known as Icaria, is focused on promoting early detection and treatment of pancreatic cancer.

The company’s goal is ambitious: they plan to provide free cancer risk testing to 100 individuals as part of their initiative, which they believe could lead to improved prevention and treatment strategies. Craif is using miRNA technology as a core focus for the project. They also employ NANO IP (NANO Intelligence Platform), which interprets the complex communication between cells involved in cancer and other diseases.

Their approach involves utilizing innovative technologies like microfluidic nanowire devices and cellulose nanofibers to efficiently capture biomarkers. This enables them to screen for cancerous biomarkers in urine, offering a non-invasive alternative to traditional methods like blood-based liquid biopsies or circulating tumor DNA tests. The goal is to detect cancer at a very early stage by capturing exosomes, which are small particles released by cells and can reflect early cellular interactions in cancer.

Craif claims that their testing method is highly sensitive and accurate compared to conventional tests, which could significantly improve early-stage detection. The company has already attracted interest from a large pharmaceutical company (which they have not named) and a technology company as clients.

This growing trend of consumer-targeting health startups in Japan is being supported by collaborations between medical institutions and companies, as well as policy initiatives aimed at fostering innovation in the Tokai region. These startups are becoming increasingly popular, particularly in consumer health, due to their less invasive nature and their potential in early cancer detection.

However, one of the key questions surrounding such startups is the accuracy of their tests. While Craif’s approach shows promise, more data and clinical validation will be crucial to determine whether it can deliver reliable results in real-world settings.