East Ocyon Bio, a pioneering allogeneic cell and gene therapy (CGT) startup, has successfully closed its $4.2 million Seed funding round, led by Aeravti Ventures and Micro Labs. This investment marks a crucial milestone in the company’s mission to transform the landscape of access to cutting-edge therapies in India and globally. The newly raised funds will fuel key initiatives, including pre-clinical testing of CAR-NK and CAR-gamma delta T cell therapies, the establishment of a Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) facility, and the launch of Phase I clinical trials.
Transforming the Future of Healthcare in India and Globally
East Ocyon Bio was founded with the vision to shift India’s role from being the “pharmacy of the world” to becoming a global leader in medical innovation. The company’s founders, Dr. Renu Kundu and Dr. Dinesh Kundu, envisioned a world where curative therapies for cancer, autoimmune disorders, and rare diseases are not only developed in India but are also launched simultaneously in global markets. Despite India being a major player in the production of affordable medicines, patients often face significant delays, sometimes spanning decades, in accessing breakthrough therapies that are already available in the US and EU. This gap in timely access to innovative treatments led to the founding of East Ocyon Bio, a company committed to bridging this divide by establishing comprehensive capabilities for cell and gene therapy development, from research and development (R&D) to commercialization.
A Strategic Partnership for Growth
The Seed funding round was led by Aeravti Ventures and Micro Labs, two industry players with a shared commitment to supporting innovative biotechnology companies that aim to address the critical healthcare needs of underserved markets.
Dr. Renu Kundu, Founder of East Ocyon Bio, expressed her gratitude for the partnership, stating, “We are incredibly grateful for the support of Aeravti Ventures and Micro Labs, whose belief in our vision is instrumental in our journey toward clinical validation of this transformative technology. Their trust and partnership empower us to advance our mission of bringing innovative, accessible therapies to patients in India and across the globe.”
Bridging India’s Healthcare Innovation Gap
India, often referred to as the cancer capital of the world, has been plagued by a long-standing challenge: the delay in the availability of innovative therapies that are quickly adopted in the US and EU markets. This gap has prompted companies like East Ocyon Bio to focus on indigenizing innovation, creating cutting-edge products, and scaling them for both local and global markets. According to Rishabh Singh, Managing Partner at Aeravti Ventures, “Our partnership with East Ocyon Bio reflects our commitment to supporting impactful organizations that indigenize innovation and create cost-effective solutions for critical medical needs. We are excited to collaborate with one of India’s finest pharmaceutical companies to make a meaningful difference in healthcare.”
A New Era in Indian Biotech Innovation
In the past, the Indian pharmaceutical sector primarily focused on producing generic medications. However, Indian pharma is now at the cusp of a transformation, shifting its focus toward innovative large molecules that can offer more precise, targeted, and curative treatments. The gap in funding for R&D and manufacturing complexities in the field of cell and gene therapy has hindered progress. Ashna Surana from Micro Labs noted, “We look forward to partnering with East Ocyon Bio to bridge the gap in R&D funding and manufacturing and bring forward innovative therapies that can change patient outcomes.”
The Road Ahead: Revolutionizing Access to Cell and Gene Therapies
East Ocyon Bio’s innovative approach to cell and gene therapy is poised to have a significant impact on the global healthcare landscape. The Seed funding will be allocated towards several critical areas, including:
- Pre-clinical testing of next-generation therapies like CAR-NK and CAR-gamma delta T cells.
- Establishing a GMP-compliant manufacturing facility to produce therapies at scale.
- Phase I clinical trials to validate the safety and efficacy of its therapies.
With these investments, East Ocyon Bio aims to become a leading force in cell and gene therapy development, ensuring that curative treatments are not only developed in India but are also accessible to patients globally.
Conclusion: A Game-Changer in India’s Biotech Landscape
The successful closure of East Ocyon Bio’s $4.2 million Seed round marks a major step forward in the company’s mission to revolutionize healthcare in India and beyond. With a focus on cutting-edge cell and gene therapies, the company is setting out to address the pressing need for innovative, accessible treatments for patients suffering from cancer, autoimmune disorders, and rare diseases. As East Ocyon Bio continues to expand its research, manufacturing, and clinical trial efforts, the company is well on its way to establishing itself as a leader in the global biotechnology industry.
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