Pharus Diagnostics
Category: AI in Healthcare
AI-powered liquid biopsy tests for early cancer detection and comprehensive patient journey management using microRNA (miRNA) biomarkers. Pharus Diagnostics was founded in 2022. The company is led by Allen Lin. Based in Los Angeles, California, USA. Originally spun out from Hsinchu, Taiwan-based Quark Biosciences.. Team size: 20-50. Total funding raised: Not publicly disclosed. Latest round: Series A, $11.0M, 2022-07, led by CK Hutchison Holdings. Key investors include CK Hutchison Holdings, CK Life Sciences International, LCY Group, Lee Family Office, Larta Institute, Quark Biosciences.
- Founded
- 2022
- Headquarters
- Los Angeles, California, USA. Originally spun out from Hsinchu, Taiwan-based Quark Biosciences.
- Team size
- 20-50
- Total funding
- Not publicly disclosed
Value proposition
Non-invasive, early cancer detection with a single blood draw using proprietary AI/ML algorithms and miRNA biomarker technology to improve clinical outcomes and streamline patient management.
Products and solutions
OncoSweep™ Pancreas Spotlight (CLIA-validated LDT for pancreatic cancer detection, launched Dec 2024), OncoSweep™ Multi-Cancer Early Detection (MCED) liquid biopsy test (in development)
Unique value
Utilizes a unique combination of microRNA (miRNA) biomarkers with advanced AI/ML algorithms to achieve high accuracy in early cancer detection.
Target customer
Medical professionals, hospitals, diagnostic laboratories, and individuals at risk for cancer.
Industries served
Healthcare, Diagnostics, Oncology
Technology advantage
Leverages a proprietary miRNA analysis platform likely inherited from its origin at Quark Biosciences, strategic research collaborations (e.g., with City of Hope), and experienced leadership with deep industry expertise.
How they differentiate
Distinct focus on miRNA biomarkers as opposed to ctDNA or methylation markers used by competitors, with potentially optimized algorithms for specific cancer types and integrated patient journey management.
Main competitors
GRAIL (by Illumina), Freenome, Guardant Health
Key partnerships
City of Hope (exclusive biomarker licensing and research collaboration), Quark Biosciences (origin company providing foundational technology)
Notable customers
City of Hope (key validation and research partner)
Major milestones
Spun out from Quark Biosciences in 2022 Appointed Philip C. Huang as CEO in October 2022 Signed exclusive license agreement with City of Hope for pancreatic cancer biomarkers (Jan 2024) Acquired rights to blood cancer biomarkers from City of Hope (Feb 2024) Completed CLIA LDT validation for OncoSweep Pancreas Spotlight (Dec 19, 2024) Won Alibaba Entrepreneurs Fund JUMPSTARTER Global Pitch Competition (Mar 2025) Selected for Mayo Clinic and ASU MedTech Accelerator (2025) Raising next funding round targeting Hong Kong investors (as of May 2025)
Growth metrics
Completed CLIA LDT validation for OncoSweep Pancreas Spotlight (Dec 2024); won JUMPSTARTER Global Pitch Competition (Mar 2025); selected for Mayo Clinic-ASU MedTech Accelerator (2025); raising next funding round targeting HK investors (May 2025)
Market positioning
Emerging player in the liquid biopsy market, currently focused on validating specific cancer tests (such as pancreatic cancer) while developing a broader MCED platform.
Geographic focus
Primarily US-focused with headquarters and key clinical partnerships in the US; maintains international ties through its origins in Taiwan.
Patents and IP
Has exclusive licensing for key pancreatic cancer biomarkers from City of Hope; detailed patent portfolio information is not publicly disclosed.
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Official website: https://www.pharusdx.com/