East Ocyon Bio, a trailblasing allogeneic Cell and Gene Therapy (CGT) startup, has successfully closed a $4.2 million seed funding round, marking a significant step in its mission to redefine access to advanced medical therapies in India and beyond. The funding round was led by Aeravti Ventures and Micro Labs, with the proceeds earmarked for critical initiatives including pre-clinical testing of CAR-NK and CAR-gamma delta T cell therapies, the establishment of a GMP manufacturing facility, and Phase I clinical trials.

Revolutionising India's Biotech Landscape

Founded by Dr. Renu Kundu and Dr. Dinesh Kundu, East Ocyon Bio aspires to elevate India’s reputation from the “pharmacy of the world” to a global hub for biotech innovation. 

The company envisions a future where curative therapies for cancers, autoimmune disorders, and rare diseases are developed locally and launched concurrently with global markets.

For decades, India has excelled in producing cost-effective medicines. However, patients often face significant delays in accessing groundbreaking therapies available in Western markets. East Ocyon Bio aims to close this gap by developing a comprehensive ecosystem for CGT innovation—from R&D to commercialization.

Transformative Vision Backed by Strategic Investors

The company’s bold mission has garnered robust support from investors.

“We are incredibly grateful for the support of Aeravti Ventures and Micro Labs, whose belief in our vision is instrumental in our journey toward clinical validation of this transformative technology,” said Dr. Renu Kundu, Founder of East Ocyon Bio. 

“Their trust and partnership empower us to advance our mission of bringing innovative, accessible therapies to patients in India and globally. Together, we are shaping the future of cell and gene therapy and making curative solutions a reality.”

Rishabh Singh, Managing Partner at Aeravti Ventures, emphasized the importance of indigenizing innovation to address India’s critical healthcare needs. “India is the cancer capital of the world but receives innovative therapies years after the West. Our partnership with East Ocyon Bio reflects our commitment to supporting impactful organizations that create cutting-edge products for the world.”

Ashna Surana of Micro Labs highlighted the challenges and opportunities in the Indian pharmaceutical landscape. “Indian pharma is at the cusp of a paradigm shift from small molecules to innovative large molecules for more precise and curative patient outcomes. The funding gap for R&D and manufacturing complexities has often hindered progress, but we look forward to bridging this gap with East Ocyon Bio.”

Promising Advances in Immunotherapy

East Ocyon Bio is already making strides in its research, showcasing encouraging in-vitro data on the efficacy of its allogeneic cell therapy products against solid tumors. These findings lay the foundation for clinical validation, setting the company on track to become a leader in immunotherapy.

As it accelerates its journey, East Ocyon Bio remains steadfast in its mission to reshape India’s role in the global biotech landscape. With an ecosystem designed to launch pioneering therapies simultaneously with international markets, the company aims to deliver transformative healthcare solutions, ultimately improving patient outcomes worldwide.