Exsure, a promising biotech startup based in Bhubaneswar, has successfully raised Rs 3 crore in a seed round led by Unicorn India Ventures. The funds will be used to complete non-clinical studies for its exosome-based drug delivery platform and support the company’s global expansion. Additionally, the funding will help promote Exsure’s in-house R&D products, including Exosure, Leucosure, PlantExosure, and Dr Berries.

Founded in 2021 by Swastika Paul and Abhishek Dutta, Exsure is on a mission to reduce the side-effects and toxicity of anti-cancer drugs. The company’s patented exosomal drug-delivery platform targets both cancer and cancer stem cells, offering a groundbreaking solution to decrease chemotherapy-related toxicity and relapse rates, thus improving the quality of life for cancer patients.

Milestones and Growth: A Promising Future for Exsure

In just 12 months, Exsure has made significant strides in its research, initiating a non-clinical study in India with a contract research organization (CRO). The company has already completed a milestone in the preclinical study using its patented technology. Exsure also reported impressive growth, with a fivefold increase in revenue last fiscal year. The company is on track to serve over 50 clients this year with its range of innovative products, including Exosure (a 3-in-1 exosome isolation reagent), Leucosure (PBMC isolation reagent), and PlantExosure (India’s first plant exosome isolation reagent).

In addition to these accomplishments, Exsure has been selected for the OIST Innovation Accelerator program in Japan, which will support the company’s business expansion and clinical trials.

Unicorn India Ventures Backs Exsure’s Vision

Bhaskar Majumdar, Managing Partner at Unicorn India Ventures, praised Exsure’s advancement in scientific research and innovation. "The fear of Big C is real not just for the patients but even their families," said Majumdar. "Exsure, with its cutting-edge technology and scientific tools, has created a powerful exosome-based drug that is at the forefront of therapeutics. This funding will accelerate Exsure’s mission to deploy solutions globally."

Majumdar further expressed confidence in Exsure's future growth, highlighting the company’s remarkable progress and innovative products. He believes Exsure is poised for transformative breakthroughs and is well-positioned to capitalize on the vast market opportunity in the biotech sector.

Plans for the Future: Expanding Globally and Reducing Chemotherapy Toxicity

Looking ahead, Exsure aims to complete its non-clinical studies and expand its team. The company is also working towards obtaining CDSCO (Central Drugs Standard Control Organization) approval and strengthening its global product marketing and sales efforts.

Swastika Paul, CSO and Co-founder of Exsure, shared her personal connection to the company’s mission. "During our PhD journey, we witnessed the toxicity of current chemotherapy drugs and how 13% of in-treatment cancer patients die due to chemotherapy toxicity," she said. "Exsure is committed to reducing the toxicity of these drugs and making them more targeted to cancerous cells, empowering millions of cancer patients globally and improving their quality of life."

Expanding Reach: Collaborations and Market Growth

Since its inception, Exsure has launched its first in-house manufactured products and formed collaborations with partners across India. The company has also signed contracts with distributors to expand its product reach globally.

With the Indian biotechnology industry set to reach $150 billion by 2025, Exsure is well-positioned to tap into this hyper-growth market. The company’s innovative approach to cancer treatment aligns with the sector's anticipated growth, further solidifying its potential for success.

About Unicorn India Ventures

Unicorn India Ventures, established in 2016, is a technology-focused early-stage venture fund that invests in emerging startups. The fund has invested in over 40 companies, including SmartCoin, Sequretek, Pharmarack, and Genrobotics. Unicorn’s Fund II, launched in 2020, focuses on deep-tech startups in sectors like semiconductor, space tech, and medical diagnostics, and has already made 20 investments. The fund is currently closing its Rs 1000 crore Fund III, which aims to support innovative companies like Exsure.