Villejuif-based Orakl Oncology, a pioneering startup in cancer drug development, has secured €11 million in seed funding to launch its AI-powered drug development tools, O-Predict and O-Validate. Founded in 2023 as a spin-off from the renowned Gustave Roussy Institute, Orakl aims to address inefficiencies in clinical trials and advance precision medicine, particularly in digestive cancers.
Funding and Backing
The funding round was led by Singular, with participation from Bpifrance, the Grand Prix i Lab, and existing investors. Combined with previous investments, Orakl has raised nearly €15 million to date. This injection of capital will fuel the company’s efforts to:
- Accelerate the commercial launch of its flagship products.
- Strengthen collaborations with pharmaceutical companies.
- Expand its business team under the guidance of Jessica Atkinson, a former executive at Merck and Foundation Medicine, who recently joined as Business Advisor.
Cutting-Edge Technology for Oncology
Orakl’s proprietary platform leverages machine learning, advanced cell biology, and engineering to create patient avatars, which simulate real-life drug responses. These avatars help drug developers:
- Predict clinical trial outcomes.
- Discover new therapeutic targets.
- Validate biomarkers.
- Identify optimal drug combinations.
Initially targeting colorectal and pancreatic cancers, the platform addresses the urgent need to improve the 4% success rate of oncology clinical trials.
Leadership and Vision
Co-founded by Dr. Fanny Jaulin, Dr. Diane-Laure Pagès, and Dr. Gustave Ronteix, Orakl is on a mission to revolutionize drug development. CEO Dr. Jaulin stated:
“Our decision-making platform empowers drug developers to de-risk clinical trials and bring transformative medicines to patients faster. By focusing on digestive cancers, we aim to redefine precision medicine and deliver breakthroughs where they’re most needed.”
Prof. Fabrice Barlesi, General Director of Gustave Roussy, emphasized Orakl’s impact:
“Orakl’s ex vivo patient avatars are poised to accelerate the discovery of next-generation cancer therapies.”
Products Driving Innovation
- O-Predict: Simulates patient responses, evaluates new drug efficacy, and designs combination therapies.
- O-Validate: Provides robust biological evidence for target validation, ensuring data-driven decisions across all stages of drug development.
Strategic Support
Jeremy Uzan, General Partner at Singular, lauded the expertise behind Orakl:
“The team’s deep knowledge in cancer research and computational biology, combined with their clear business focus, positions Orakl as a game-changer in oncology drug development.”
Future Plans
With its expanded funding, Orakl aims to:
- Build strategic partnerships with pharmaceutical companies.
- Establish a dedicated business development team.
- Enhance its AI-powered tools to transform the oncology clinical trial landscape.
Orakl Oncology is setting new standards in cancer drug development, promising faster, more effective therapies for patients worldwide.
