In recent years, the incidence of cancer has escalated alarmingly, particularly among younger demographics. This trend has raised urgent concerns within the medical community and the general public about preventive measures, early detection, and, crucially, treatment efficacy. Despite ongoing innovation in oncological research, the landscape of drug development remains fraught with challenges. The fact that a significant proportion of new drug compounds falter in clinical trials underscores a critical flaw in the existing systems used to evaluate these compounds. This predicament was insightfully articulated by entrepreneur Fanny Jaulin, who emphasizes that the failure of a drug in clinical trials does not necessarily reflect its inherent quality. The broader question emerges: how can we formulate an approach that enhances the probability of success for new cancer therapies?
Fanny Jaulin, the founder of Orakl Oncology, advocates for a transformative shift in how clinical trials are conceived and executed. Traditional trial designs often overlook the complexities associated with individual tumors, which can vary significantly from one patient to another. By concentrating solely on a one-size-fits-all methodology, many promising drug candidates are subjected to unwarranted abandonment. Jaulin’s critique revolves around the systematic inadequacies of these trials, which often fail to appreciate the multifactorial nature of cancer. She contends that a comprehensive redesign of clinical trials is urgently needed to keep pace with the intricacies of oncological biology.
To that end, Jaulin’s startup leverages artificial intelligence (AI) to craft a sophisticated solution, although she acknowledges that AI technologies are becoming increasingly commonplace in drug discovery. Orakl’s unique proposition lies not in the use of AI alone but in its fusion of biological insights with data analytics. This dual focus allows for a more nuanced understanding of both molecular and clinical aspects of cancer treatment, ultimately making strides toward a more effective trial paradigm.
Founded in 2023 and birthed from the distinguished Gustave Roussy Institute of Oncology, Orakl Oncology differentiates itself by operating at the confluence of data and biology. This methodology is essential for understanding the patient-specific nuances that can significantly influence treatment outcomes. Orakl’s innovative strategy revolves around the concept of “avatars,” which represent a combination of a patient’s clinical history and their cancerous tissue. Utilizing these avatars aids in generating more reliable predictions about how specific treatments may perform across diverse patient profiles.
Central to this approach are organoids—miniature, simplified versions of organs cultivated in vitro. These organoids serve as critical tools in trials, allowing researchers to assess the efficacy of drug compounds in a controlled yet realistic environment. Orakl’s robust data layer encompasses an impressive array of approximately 40 patient variables, further enhancing the precision of its methodologies. While its initial focus is on colorectal and pancreatic cancers, the scalability of its model suggests that it has the potential for broader applications.
The startup has ambitious plans to bring two primary products to market: O-Predict and O-Validate. O-Predict aims to assist in forecasting patient responses to drug candidates, making it particularly valuable for pharmaceutical developers seeking to refine their compounds. Conversely, O-Validate caters to AI and data-centric biotech firms by validating the effectiveness of drug candidates after initial development stages. This dual product strategy not only diversifies Orakl’s market presence but also enhances its appeal across various sectors of the pharmaceutical landscape.
Jaulin’s entrepreneurial journey has been bolstered by considerable financial backing. Orakl recently concluded a seed funding round led by the European VC fund Singular, adding to a pre-seed capital infusion of €3 million secured earlier in the year. With total capital raised nearing €15 million, the financial resources will primarily be allocated toward establishing a commercial team dedicated to fostering partnerships and facilitating contracts.
Fanny Jaulin’s venture into the oncology space signifies a pivotal moment in the evolution of cancer drug trials. By embracing a dual approach that fuses data analytics with biological research, Orakl Oncology stands poised to enhance the success rates of new cancer therapies. As global cancer incidence continues its upward trajectory, the necessity for pioneering solutions has never been clearer. The vision laid out by Orakl not only promises to transform drug discovery but may ultimately lead to better outcomes for patients battling diverse cancer types.