ErlySign Raises Rs 16 Crore to Transform Oral Cancer Detection with a Simple Saliva Test
In a breakthrough for cancer diagnostics, ErlySign, formerly known as CURO Biosciences, has secured Rs 16 crore in a pre-Series A funding round led by renowned investor Ashish Kacholia. This exciting investment will fast-track the startup’s mission to launch a groundbreaking oral cancer detection kit that promises to make early diagnosis faster, easier, and more accessible.
Founded in 2019 by Shubhendra Singh Thakur and Deovrat Begde, ErlySign has quickly evolved from a lab project in Nagpur to a pioneering healthcare startup. With the backing of Ashish Kacholia and expert guidance from renowned oncologist Vishal Rao, ErlySign is set to change the way oral cancer is detected, saving lives and reducing the burden on healthcare systems.
What Is ErlySign’s Breakthrough Oral Cancer Test?
ErlySign’s most exciting innovation is its non-invasive, rapid oral cancer test, which uses salivary biomarkers to detect precancerous conditions in the mouth. Imagine getting a diagnosis in just 15 minutes, without the need for painful biopsies or expensive procedures.
This saliva-based test works by identifying specific biomarkers that indicate early-stage oral cancer or precancerous changes in the mouth. With 100% specificity and an impressive 98.04% sensitivity, ErlySign’s test is highly accurate and promises to revolutionize cancer diagnostics.
Currently in the final stages of clinical trials at multiple HCG (Healthcare Global Enterprises) sites, this cutting-edge technology has already earned a patent in India (2022) and a U.S. patent (2023). The next step? Securing approval from CDSCO (Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation) in India, after which the test will be ready for commercial rollout.
Why Is This Test a Game Changer?
Detecting cancer early is crucial, but traditional diagnostic methods are often invasive, expensive, and uncomfortable. ErlySign’s innovation could drastically improve this process, offering a quick, pain-free, and affordable alternative for millions of patients in India and beyond.
Key Benefits of ErlySign’s Test:
- Speed: The test delivers results in just 15 minutes. No long waiting periods, no stress.
- Non-Invasive: No needles, no biopsies. Just a simple saliva sample.
- Accurate: With a 98.04% sensitivity, the test is highly reliable in detecting precancerous conditions.
- Affordable: Unlike costly diagnostic procedures, this saliva test aims to be accessible to a larger population.
The Growing Need for Affordable Cancer Detection
Cancer rates are rising globally, and oral cancer is a significant concern in countries like India, where tobacco use and poor oral hygiene contribute to higher incidences of the disease. According to the Indian Council of Medical Research, oral cancer is among the top three cancers in India, with early diagnosis playing a critical role in improving survival rates.
The global diagnostics market is expected to reach $250 billion by 2030, creating a massive opportunity for innovative solutions like ErlySign’s test. In a country like India, where affordable healthcare solutions are in high demand, ErlySign’s saliva-based cancer test could make a huge impact by offering simple, fast, and non-invasive detection.
Future Plans: Expanding Beyond Oral Cancer
ErlySign’s ambitions don’t stop at oral cancer. The company plans to leverage CRISPR miRNA-based technology to develop tests for multiple types of cancer using the same saliva sample. This could mean detecting several types of cancers, including breast, lung, and cervical cancer, all from a single saliva test in just 15 to 20 minutes.
The potential for this technology is staggering—early detection of multiple cancers from a single sample could completely transform how cancers are diagnosed and treated, saving millions of lives.
How Will the New Rs 16 Crore Investment Be Used?
With the new funding, ErlySign will focus on three key areas:
1. Expanding Research and Development:
The team will continue refining their technology, developing additional tests, and ensuring that their platform is ready for large-scale use. The ultimate goal is to broaden their range of cancer tests and ensure they’re accessible to everyone.
2. Building a Stronger Team:
ErlySign plans to expand its team of experts, researchers, and healthcare professionals to bring their vision to life. With more talent on board, they’ll be able to speed up their development and go-to-market strategy.
3. Global Patent Filings:
The company also plans to file patents in other countries, ensuring that their technology can be used worldwide and helping them reach a global market.
ErlySign’s Support System: Industry Mentorship and Clinical Backing
ErlySign’s journey has been greatly aided by expert guidance from Vishal Rao, a renowned oncologist and mentor to the startup. Rao’s clinical insights have been invaluable in shaping the direction of the company, adding credibility to their innovations.
“ErlySign’s technology could make a significant difference in early-stage cancer detection, especially in resource-poor settings where conventional diagnostics are either inaccessible or too expensive. The potential for this to save lives is huge,” says Vishal Rao.
How This Startup Is Helping India Fight Cancer
Cancer is one of India’s most pressing health issues. Despite advances in treatment, the challenge of early detection remains. ErlySign’s innovation offers a promising solution that’s both non-invasive and cost-effective, making it a potential game-changer for millions of patients.
With India’s healthcare infrastructure often stretched to its limits, affordable diagnostic solutions like ErlySign’s saliva test are more than just an innovation—they’re a necessity. They could be the key to improving early-stage cancer survival rates and ultimately saving lives.
The Road Ahead: A Healthier Future with ErlySign
As the world of diagnostics evolves, ErlySign is leading the charge with cutting-edge technology and a bold vision. With Rs 16 crore in fresh funding, the startup is poised to make a global impact in the fight against cancer. Whether it’s improving early detection, making tests more affordable, or expanding to new types of cancer, ErlySign’s journey has only just begun.
This exciting innovation shows that the future of cancer detection is faster, easier, and more accessible than ever before. ErlySign is on track to reshape the way we detect cancer—and it’s a change that could save millions of lives.
Conclusion: Why ErlySign is the Future of Cancer Detection
ErlySign’s saliva-based test is not just a step forward—it’s a giant leap in how we approach cancer diagnosis. Thanks to their innovative approach, cancer detection will soon be faster, simpler, and far more affordable. With the backing of Ashish Kacholia and guidance from experts like Vishal Rao, the future looks bright for ErlySign as they continue to push the boundaries of medical science.
