c2i, a genomics saas product to detect traces of cancer, raises $100m series b
Early Cancer Detection Enhanced by C2i Genomics' New Funding
The period following tumor removal during cancer treatment is often marked by anxiety and uncertainty. Patients and their families frequently worry about potential recurrence and whether it will be detected promptly. C2i Genomics has created software that significantly improves the detection of residual disease, offering a 100-fold increase in sensitivity. This potential has attracted substantial investment, as evidenced by the company’s recent announcement.
$100 Million Series B Funding
C2i Genomics has secured $100 million in Series B funding, led by Casdin Capital. This investment will fuel the advancement and wider availability of their innovative cancer detection technology.
Addressing the Core Challenge in Cancer Treatment
“A central question in cancer care is determining treatment efficacy,” explains Asaf Zviran, co-founder and CEO of C2i Genomics. “Currently, some patients receive treatments that provide no benefit, enduring unnecessary side effects, while others are denied the therapies they require.”
Limitations of Traditional Detection Methods
Historically, post-surgical cancer detection has relied heavily on imaging techniques like MRI and X-ray. However, these methods often lack the precision to identify cancer until it has reached a considerable size. Consequently, cancer may return before doctors can reliably detect it.
C2i’s Liquid Biopsy Approach
C2i’s technology utilizes a liquid biopsy – a simple blood draw – to search for circulating tumor DNA. The extracted DNA undergoes full genome sequencing, and the resulting data is uploaded to the C2i platform.
The software analyzes the genomic sequence, identifying subtle indicators of cancer presence and tracking whether the disease is progressing or responding to treatment.
Scalability and Accessibility
“C2i provides the software infrastructure to enable cancer detection and monitoring on a global scale,” Zviran stated in an interview with TechCrunch. “Any laboratory equipped with a sequencing machine can process samples, upload data to the C2i platform, and deliver enhanced detection and monitoring services to patients.”
Research Foundation and Scientific Expertise
C2i Genomics’ solution is rooted in research conducted at the New York Genome Center (NYGC) and Weill Cornell Medicine (WCM). Dr. Zviran collaborated with Dr. Dan Landau, a faculty member at NYGC and assistant professor of medicine at WCM, who serves as the scientific co-founder and a member of C2i’s scientific advisory board.
Their research findings have been published in the prestigious medical journal, Nature Medicine.
Current Applications and Future Potential
Although not yet FDA-approved, the C2i platform is currently being utilized in clinical research and drug development initiatives at leading institutions including NYU Langone Health, the National Cancer Center of Singapore, Aarhus University Hospital, and Lausanne University Hospital.
Upon receiving regulatory approval, C2i Genomics has the potential to revolutionize cancer treatment, particularly in the realm of organ preservation. The technology could potentially reduce the number of unnecessary surgeries, such as the removal of the bladder or rectum, which can lead to disability.
A Personal Motivation
The drive behind C2i Genomics is deeply personal for Zviran.
“My journey began far removed from cancer and biology,” he shared. “At 28, I received a cancer diagnosis and underwent surgery and radiation. Subsequently, my father and both of my in-laws were also diagnosed, but unfortunately, they did not survive.”
Zviran, now holding a PhD in molecular biology, previously served as an engineer with the Israeli Defense Force and various private companies. “As an engineer, I was struck by the uncertainty experienced by both patients and physicians,” he explained.
Funding Allocation and Investor Group
The newly acquired funding will be strategically allocated to accelerate clinical development and the commercialization of the C2-Intelligence Platform.
Additional investors participating in this funding round include NFX, Duquesne Family Office, Section 32 (Singapore), iGlobe Partners, and Driehaus Capital.