Tvaster Genkalp Raises $1.25M to Advance Liver Cancer Detection

Tvaster Genkalp Secures $1.25 Million in Pre-Series A Funding to Advance Liver Cancer Diagnostics

Tvaster Genkalp, a molecular diagnostics startup, has raised $1.25 million in a Pre-Series A funding round led by Ideaspring Capital. Existing investors, including Invigo Softwares and Prof. Mohamed Rela, also participated in the round. The funding will support the commercialization of Episcreen™ Liver, a liquid biopsy test designed for early liver cancer detection based on methylation technology.

Advancements in Molecular Diagnostics

Established in 2021 by Dr. Srikar Raman and K. Sreedurgalakshmi, Tvaster Genkalp develops diagnostic solutions using proprietary epigenetic screening technologies. Its flagship product, Episcreen™ Liver, achieves 90% sensitivity, compared to the 50% sensitivity of traditional Alpha-Fetoprotein (AFP) tests, enhancing early detection and survival rates by over 70%.

Impact on Liver Cancer Detection

Dr. Srikar Raman, Co-founder of Tvaster Genkalp, stated that the funding will facilitate the deployment of Episcreen™ Liver across India. This non-invasive diagnostic tool is intended for Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC), a common form of liver cancer. Early detection is critical for managing liver cancer, which affects over 900,000 people globally. In India, chronic liver disease impacts approximately one in five adults, underlining the need for accurate diagnostic methods.

Pipeline Expansion

Tvaster Genkalp is also developing other diagnostic solutions, including Episcreen™ Bile for bile duct cancer and Episcreen™ HBResist, a chemotherapy resistance test for pediatric hepatoblastoma. The company collaborates with diagnostic firms to promote adoption of these technologies.

Investor Perspective

Naganand Doraiswamy, Managing Director at Ideaspring Capital, noted that Tvaster’s technology offers potential in initial diagnosis and monitoring recurrence during treatment. Episcreen™ Liver has shown 90% sensitivity and specificity in tests involving 600 patient samples.

Recognition and Future Goals

Tvaster Genkalp has received international recognition, such as the ILTS Young Researcher Award at the ILTS Congress 2024 in Houston, and a BIRAC BIG Grant for its cholangiocarcinoma detection technology. With the recent funding, the company plans to expand its research and development, strengthen its oncology product pipeline, and make its diagnostic solutions more accessible globally.

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