OneCell Diagnostics, a leading genomics-based precision oncology company, has raised $16 million in an oversubscribed Series A funding round. Celesta Capital led the round, with additional support from Tenacity Ventures, Cedars Sinai, Eragon, and Singularity Ventures. This funding aims to make cancer diagnostics more accessible, actionable, and affordable. Notably, Celesta Capital’s Founding Managing Partner, Michael Marks, and Nobel Laureate Dr. James Rothman will join OneCell’s board, marking a significant step in its journey.
OneCell has created advanced liquid biopsy technology that redefines cancer screening. Using its proprietary Circulating Tumor Cell (CTC) and True-Single-Cell-Multi-omics platform, the company provides solutions for clinical cancer care and biotech clinical trials. Unlike traditional methods, their platform integrates CTC-DNA, CTC-RNA, and cell surface protein testing from a single blood sample. This breakthrough offers a more comprehensive and efficient approach to liquid biopsies.
“We see a future where everyone has access to high-quality, life-saving cancer testing and this funding is a powerful validation of our vision,” said Mohan Uttarwar, CEO and Co-founder at OneCell Diagnostics. “By integrating our single-cell multi-omics analytics with next-generation liquid biopsy approaches, we have the opportunity to break new ground in delivering accurate, personalized cancer care worldwide.”
With Series A funding, OneCell plans to launch its next-gen liquid biopsy test, OncoIndx Ikon, in the U.S. This test identifies and analyzes CTC biomarkers to support precision cancer diagnosis and treatment. It aids in tracking treatment responses, monitoring disease progression, and identifying recurrence. OneCell has already tested nearly 10,000 patients in India, proving its technology is safe, effective, and scalable for labs worldwide. Strategic partnerships with renowned institutions like Harvard Medical School and Stanford University further highlight its global reach.
“Celesta is excited about differentiated companies sitting at the intersection of high tech and biomedical science, and OneCell fits this mold perfectly,” said Michael Marks, Founding Managing Partner at Celesta Capital. “By leveraging the strategic benefits of the U.S. – India corridor, OneCell is well-positioned to continue building competitive advantages. We pride ourselves on being active value-add investors, and Celesta will tap our ecosystem to support their growth wherever possible.”
“I’m looking forward to joining the OneCell Board at such a pivotal time in the arc of innovation for cancer treatment,” said Dr. James Rothman, Nobel Laureate and Celesta Capital Advisor. “Cell biopsy represents a groundbreaking shift in how we approach diagnostics, creating more opportunities for highly individualized care. This technology has the potential to reshape the oncology landscape, and we are eager to support OneCell’s bold mission to reach more than 1000 oncologists and 1 million patients in the near future.”
According to the World Health Organization, cancer affects over 20 million people annually, with 53.5 million survivors within five years of diagnosis. As cancer evolves at the molecular level, biomarker testing becomes crucial for precision treatment. OneCell’s technology ensures timely detection of molecular changes, enabling early interventions and improving treatment outcomes.
