The precision oncology landscape has taken a significant leap forward as 1Cell.Ai, formerly known as OneCell Diagnostics, announced the launch of its groundbreaking OncoIncytes diagnostic panel. This comprehensive multi-modal cancer diagnostic tool integrates multiple data types including circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA), circulating tumor cells (CTCs) at single-cell resolution, RNA transcriptomics, and proteomics analysis of 150 proteins at the single-cell level.
The Foster City, California, and Mumbai, India-based company unveiled this technology on April 22, 2025, marking its transformation from a genomics-based diagnostic company to an AI-powered leader in precision oncology.
"By integrating true single cell level multi-omics data with ctDNA, OncoIncytes provides unparalleled information to oncologists that enhances critical clinical decisions," said Mohan Uttarwar, CEO and co-founder of 1Cell.Ai. "This approach offers unprecedented sensitivity and specificity to optimize clinical trial successes, particularly in early-stage research. For antibody-drug conjugate studies, this represents a unique way to select the most appropriate patients, and address one of the most significant challenges in translational research."
Technical Innovations and Clinical Applications
OncoIncytes' technology leverages a 1080 gene panel alongside artificial intelligence and machine learning models to deliver deeper insights for clinical decision-making. The platform has been validated against established technologies, including Illumina's TSO 500 and the FDA-cleared PGDx panel, with testing at Dr. Ravindra Kohle's laboratory at Augusta University's Medical College of Georgia demonstrating 100% concordance between methodologies.
The technology's primary innovation enables pharmaceutical and biotech companies to advance antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) development during early-stage clinical studies by detecting protein expression on cell surfaces that other liquid biopsy tests cannot identify. This capability addresses a critical gap in current diagnostic approaches, particularly for targeted therapies that rely on specific biomarkers.
Healthcare providers can now request sample collection kits to be shipped to the CLIA-certified 1Cell.Ai laboratory from hospitals and clinical trial sites. Once samples are processed, results are uploaded through the company's iDiscover application, prioritizing accuracy and efficiency.
Strategic Repositioning in the Precision Oncology Market
The launch of OncoIncytes follows 1Cell.Ai's recent oversubscribed $16 million Series A funding round and the introduction of its clinical advisory board, which is chaired by Nobel Laureate Dr. James Rothman.
"Our commitment to democratizing precision oncology through more accessible, actionable, and affordable diagnostic cancer testing remains stronger than ever," Uttarwar explained. "The rebranding to 1Cell.Ai reflects our expanded mission to revolutionize cancer care through artificial intelligence, moving beyond diagnostics to more comprehensive AI-powered precision oncology solutions."
The company's strategic pivot comes at a time when precision oncology is increasingly recognized as essential for optimizing treatment outcomes. By providing more granular insights into tumor biology at the single-cell level, 1Cell.Ai aims to address the heterogeneity that often complicates cancer treatment and drug development.
Implications for Cancer Research and Treatment
The multi-modal approach of OncoIncytes represents a significant advancement in liquid biopsy technology, potentially transforming several aspects of cancer care:
- Enhanced Patient Selection: The ability to detect surface protein expression could improve patient stratification for clinical trials, particularly for targeted therapies like ADCs.
- Real-time Monitoring: The technology enables more sensitive tracking of treatment response and disease progression.
- Drug Development Acceleration: Pharmaceutical companies may benefit from more efficient early-stage clinical studies with better-defined patient populations.
- Personalized Treatment Optimization: Oncologists gain access to more comprehensive molecular profiles to guide treatment decisions.
As precision oncology continues to evolve, technologies that integrate multiple data modalities at the single-cell level may become increasingly valuable for addressing the complex challenges of cancer heterogeneity and treatment resistance. 1Cell.Ai's OncoIncytes platform represents an important step toward realizing the full potential of personalized cancer care through advanced diagnostics and AI-powered analytics.
