Chennai-based molecular diagnostic startup Tvaster Genkalp has raised $1.25 million in a Pre-Series A funding round led by Ideaspring Capital. Existing investors include Invigo Softwares and Prof. Mohamed Rela, a globally renowned liver transplant surgeon.
The fresh investment will accelerate expansion and commercialisation of Episcreen Liver, a pioneering methylation-based liquid biopsy test for early liver cancer detection.
Co-founded in 2021 by Dr Srikar Raman and K Sreedurgalakshmi, Tvaster is transforming molecular diagnostics and precision oncology through advanced epigenetic screening technologies. The company develops proprietary, high-accuracy genetic solutions, setting a new benchmark in non-invasive cancer detection.
Dr Srikar Raman, Co-founder of Tvaster Genkalp, said, “The funding will accelerate nationwide deployment of Episcreen Liver, offering a non-invasive, highly accurate diagnostic alternative for Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC), the most common form of liver cancer.”
He further added that while Alpha-Fetoprotein (AFP), the current standard for HCC screening, has 50% sensitivity, Episcreen Liver achieves 90% sensitivity thus significantly improving early detection and increasing survival chances by over 70%.
To achieve this, Tvaster is forging partnerships with leading diagnostic companies. Tvaster is also advancing its oncology diagnostics pipeline with Episcreen Bile, a novel test for Cholangiocarcinoma, an aggressive bile duct cancer with limited early detection options.
Additionally, the company has developed Episcreen HBResist, the first-ever chemotherapy resistance test for pediatric hepatoblastoma, addressing a critical gap in childhood cancer treatment.
