OXcan Secures Funding for Revolutionary Cancer Detection Technology
Oxford Cancer Analytics, also known as OXcan, is spearheading a transformative approach to cancer detection through the development of innovative blood-based liquid biopsy tests. Recently, the company announced it has successfully concluded an additional seed financing round, primarily led by Eka Ventures, alongside contributions from notable organizations such as LifeArc, MegaRobo Technologies, and Oxford Technology Management, along with several individual investors who bring significant value. This strategic funding, amounting to $5.5 million since its inception, will enable OXcan to expand its pioneering international studies and focus on creating products aimed specifically at the most lethal cancers that could significantly benefit from early detection using liquid biopsy techniques.
The alarming reality is that nearly fifty percent of individuals will face a cancer diagnosis at some point in their lives, making cancer the leading cause of death globally.
Regrettably, many of the cancers responsible for the majority of these fatalities are diagnosed at advanced stages when they have already metastasized, rendering them incurable. A prime example is lung cancer, a disease that typically presents with no early-stage symptoms. As a result, patients often endure a lengthy process involving a battery of concerning diagnostic tests, such as X-rays and CT scans, alongside invasive procedures for tissue extraction, often only to discover their condition in its late stages. OXcan’s liquid biopsy solution promises to revolutionize this process, allowing for a straightforward blood test that mirrors routine tests conducted in community clinics or hospitals, potentially identifying these deadly cancers in their nascent stages.
OXcan’s unique approach centers on utilizing cutting-edge technology, including high-throughput proteomics and tailored machine learning techniques, to analyze protein structures in blood samples. Dr. Peter Jianrui Liu, the company's CEO and co-founder, emphasizes that existing methodologies have not adequately addressed the urgent need for early detection of the most dangerous cancers. The collaborative efforts of OXcan stretch across multiple healthcare centers worldwide, making use of a vast repository of blood samples for ongoing product development. With steadfast support from esteemed institutions such as the Francis Crick Institute and Cancer Research UK, OXcan is committed to melding rigorous scientific inquiry with deep clinical insights to pave the way for improved cancer detection. Andreas Halner, OXcan’s President and COO, thoughtfully notes that the intersection of this interdisciplinary expertise is vital to ensure the utmost benefit to patients at every stage of their cancer journey, reflecting the company’s deep-seated mission of instigating positive social change through early detection and preventative medicine.
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