Breast cancer, a prevalent concern among women in India, is set to face a potential game-changer with the development of a groundbreaking device by Pune-based startup Kozhnosys. The device, aptly named “Canscan,” utilizes the analysis of volatile organic compounds found in exhaled breath to identify the presence of cancer in the body. With clinical trials set to commence at Sahyadri Hospital in Pune, Kozhnosys is on the cusp of revolutionizing early-stage cancer screening, potentially saving lives through timely intervention.
Breast cancer remains one of the most common cancers affecting women in India, accounting for a significant portion of cancer cases. In 2020, breast and cervical cancers constituted 39.4 percent of reported cancer cases in the country. Given its widespread impact, detecting breast cancer early is paramount to reducing disease progression and fatalities.
Jilma Peruvangat, co-founder and CEO of Kozhnosys, explains the innovative approach: “We analyze a few compounds called volatile organic compounds, which are produced normally by the cells in the body as part of metabolism. These volatile compounds are present in blood and urine as well, but we use Canscan to collect these using exhaled breath. The device will then determine if a disease is present in the body.”
The journey to develop Canscan has taken six years, resulting in a portable device ready for clinical trials. Upon successful validation, the device will become available in the market. Canscan’s portability holds the promise of taking advanced screening technology to rural areas, ensuring broader access to disease detection.
Traditionally, breast cancer screening in India primarily relies on mammography, which may not be accessible in many hospitals, particularly in rural regions. Peruvangat notes, “Breast cancer is not limited to cities. Currently, cases of breast cancer are equally spread across cities and rural areas. We will be able to offer our device at one-tenth the cost of a mammography device. This will enable more hospitals, including small ones, to acquire a device and provide screening services.”
Peruvangat’s background in biomedical engineering and her previous experience at Fortis Hospital in Mumbai highlighted the dependency on imported and costly medical devices designed for foreign populations. This realization inspired her to develop a solution tailored to the specific needs and affordability of the Indian population.
Kozhnosys has received funding totaling Rs 3 crore, comprising government grants, private investments, and CSR support, to facilitate clinical trials. Villgro, a social enterprise incubator, is actively assisting Kozhnosys in various aspects of business development, patient and medical community awareness, and go-to-market (GTM) strategy formation.
The startup plans to raise approximately Rs 6 crore for the next phase of manufacturing and marketing. Once Canscan is available, Kozhnosys aims to generate revenue of Rs 100 crore within three years, targeting markets in India, the United States, and Europe, which collectively account for 70 percent of the medical device market.
