Geneoscopy Secures $6.9M Series A Funding to Advance Non-Invasive Colorectal Cancer Screening Test

VCBeat (WeChat Official Account: vcbeat) has learned that life sciences company Geneoscopy recently announced the completion of a $6.9 million Series A financing round. The round was led by Cultivation Capital and NT Investments, with participation from Lightchain Capital LLC. Following the financing, Bobby W. Sandage, Jr. (Cultivation Capital), Najeeb Thomas (NT Investments), and Drew Dennison (Lightchain Capital LLC) will join the company’s board of directors.

This round of financing will be used to advance the colorectal cancer (CRC) screening test, which quantifies eukaryotic RNA isolated from fecal epithelial cells to detect colorectal cancer and advanced adenomas.

Geneoscopy has developed a novel method for the reliable and stable extraction of stool-derived eukaryotic RNA (seRNA) transcripts and the detection of changes in gene expression. This provides Geneoscopy with a platform to leverage the functionality of seRNA for the detection, prevention, and treatment guidance of gastrointestinal diseases. Geneoscopy is developing diagnostic tests for the detection and prevention of human colorectal cancer, as well as tests to distinguish feline gastrointestinal lymphoma from inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Geneoscopy is also exploring the application of its technology to other gastrointestinal indications in both humans and animals.

Najeeb Thomas stated, “Although colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths, it is treatable if detected at an early stage and preventable if identified as a precancerous lesion. Better non-invasive screening tests are needed to improve adherence and reduce CRC mortality.”

Bobby W. Sandage, Jr. stated, “Genetic studies have shown that eukaryotic RNA biomarkers derived from stool are highly sensitive for both cancer and, more importantly, precancerous lesions. This high sensitivity is particularly evident for precancerous lesions or adenomas, which is crucial for the prevention of colorectal cancer—the primary goal of colorectal cancer screening.”

Andrew Barnell, CEO of Geneoscopy, stated, “We are delighted to continue developing our CRC screening test and other applications of our platform technology alongside our new partners. We appreciate their support for our mission to prevent avoidable health conditions from impacting patients’ lives.”

Cultivation Capital is a venture capital firm that supports outstanding entrepreneurs, primarily investing in technology, life sciences, and agtech companies. Since its founding in 2012, the firm has supported more than 100 companies, making it one of the most active seed investors in China.

NT Investments is an angel investment group composed of gastroenterologists, surgeons, physicians, and healthcare executives. NT Investments supports game-changing healthcare technologies with the potential to improve patient visits, reduce costs, and enhance population health.

(Compiled by Tan Jiulin)