Cancer remains one of the world’s deadliest diseases. In 2022, the National Cancer Institute reported nearly 20 million new cases and 9.7 million deaths globally.
And by 2040, this number could soar to almost 30 million. To tackle this increasing issue, Craif is stepping up.
Craif’s Vision
Founded in 2018 as a spin-off from Nagoya University in Japan, Craif uses microRNA (miRNA) and AI to detect cancer earlier and more easily.
Recently, it raised $22 million in Series C funding, which will fuel its expansion into the U.S. market and strengthen its research and development efforts.
With this new round, Craif’s total funding now comes to $57 million.
Personal Experience Drives Innovation
Craif’s CEO and co-founder, Ryuichi Onose, understands the stakes personally. After watching both his grandparents battle cancer, he dedicated himself to finding better ways to detect the disease.
He met Takao Yasui, an associate professor at Nagoya University, and within a month, the two launched Craif.
Yasui had already discovered a new method to detect cancer early using urinary biomarkers. And by combining passion and complementary skills, a fast-growing startup was born.
Urine Over Blood
Traditional cancer tests often require blood draws or invasive procedures. These methods can discourage people from regular screenings.
Worse still, many areas have limited access to diagnostic facilities, making it even harder for early detection.
Craif offers a different path as it sets out to analyze microRNA in urine. According to Onose, this method is not only non-invasive but also more convenient.
Patients can even collect samples from home.
What Makes Craif Stand Out?
Several companies are working on early cancer detection. Names like Grail, Freenome, DELFI Diagnostics, and Clearnote Health are already known. Yet, Craif sets itself apart in two ways:
- It uses miRNA instead of cell-free DNA (cfDNA).
- It relies on urine, not blood, for testing.
This is important. miRNA, which gained major attention after its link to the 2024 Nobel Prize, plays a role in cancer’s earliest stages.
cfDNA appears after tumors grow, however, miRNA is secreted earlier. That makes it a powerful tool for early detection.
Furthermore, urine samples are cleaner than blood. Blood samples often contain impurities that can affect results. Urine avoids many of these problems, leading to clearer readings and fewer errors. It also lowers testing costs: another win for patients and healthcare providers.
Also read: Harnessing AI in Medical Records for Enhanced Patient Care
Craif’s First Product Gains Traction
Craif’s first commercial product is called miSignal. It detects the risk of seven different cancers (Pancreatic, Colorectal, Lung, Stomach, Esophagus, Breast, and Ovarian.)
Today, miSignal generates steady revenue in Japan through a partnership with over 1,000 medical institutions and around 600 pharmacies. It also sells directly to consumers and offers packages to corporate wellness programs.
The company reported $5 million in revenue in 2024. It now aims to triple that number to $15 million by the end of 2025.
How Craif Reaches Customers
Craif extends its reach through clinics and hospitals, pharmacies, B2C sales, and corporate partnerships.
The company also offers both one-time tests and subscription models. Many customers choose subscriptions, enabling regular screenings throughout the year.
New Tests and New Markets
Craif plans to expand miSignal to detect ten types of cancer soon. Beyond cancer, the company is also exploring applications for other diseases, including neurodegenerative conditions like dementia.
In the U.S., Craif already operates a research lab in Irvine, California. It plans to open a business office in San Diego to manage operations and support future expansion.
The company has started U.S. clinical trials too. It is collecting pancreatic cancer samples through partnerships with 30 medical institutions across 15 states.
Craif hopes to complete U.S. trials by 2029 and seek FDA approval shortly after.
Investors Bet on Craif
X&KSK, an existing investor, led the latest $22 million round. U.S.-based ‘Unreasonable Group’ also joined in, marking its first investment in a Japanese startup.
Other backers include TAUNS Laboratories, Daiwa House Industry, and Aozora Bank Group.
With a company valuation just under $100 million, Craif’s future looks promising.
