OncoSwab Secures CHF 1.3 Million Innosuisse Grant to Advance Lung Cancer Early Detection

OncoSwab, a Jura-based startup pioneering non-invasive cancer diagnostics, has secured a CHF 1.3 million Innosuisse grant to fund upcoming clinical trials in partnership with Inselspital Bern. The grant will enable OncoSwab to accelerate the clinical validation of its nasal fluid-based biomarker test — a revolutionary approach to the early detection of lung cancer.

Addressing a Life-Threatening Diagnostic Gap

Lung cancer remains one of the deadliest cancers globally, with over 50% of patients dying within a year of diagnosis. One of the biggest contributing factors to this grim statistic is late detection. In Europe, only four countries have national screening programs in place, resulting in 75% of lung cancer cases being detected at late stages. Traditional screening methods such as low-dose CT scans, while effective, face challenges related to cost, accessibility, and radiation exposure, limiting their broader application.
OncoSwab is working to change that. Co-founded by Andrea Stephany Diaz and Dr. Pablo Lara, the company is developing a point-of-care diagnostic tool that uses nasal fluid biomarkers to detect early-stage lung cancer. Their technology is designed to be non-invasive, safe, and easily deployable across a range of healthcare settings, from primary care clinics to hospitals — and eventually even in pharmacies or patient homes.

A Technological Leap in Diagnostic Accuracy

One of the most significant challenges in current cancer diagnostics is the high false positive rate — with some studies showing that over 50% of diagnostic results lead to unnecessary biopsies or follow-up procedures. These not only burden the healthcare system but also place emotional and physical strain on patients.
The OncoSwab test addresses this challenge head-on. By targeting nasal fluids, which are in direct contact with the airways, the test is able to identify specific biomarkers linked to early-stage lung cancer, particularly in patients with incidental pulmonary nodules (IPNs) — abnormalities that are often found accidentally during unrelated medical imaging.
By significantly improving the accuracy of early detection, the test can reduce unnecessary procedures, lower healthcare costs, and — most importantly — improve survival outcomes through earlier intervention.

B2B Model with a Vision for Broader Access

OncoSwab currently operates through a B2B business model, targeting healthcare providers and insurers. Their first objective is to introduce a pre-market Laboratory Developed Test (LDT) in collaboration with partner hospitals. Clinical trials at Inselspital Bern, enabled by the Innosuisse grant, are a key step toward achieving this goal.
The startup’s vision doesn’t stop there. Once clinical validation is achieved, OncoSwab plans to scale up to reach broader markets, including a B2C strategy that would make testing accessible to individuals directly. In the future, the company envisions a world where routine lung cancer screening is as simple and commonplace as a nasal swab — an accessible, cost-effective diagnostic tool used preventively across healthcare systems.

A Growing Market with Massive Potential

The market opportunity for OncoSwab is enormous. In the United States alone, roughly 1.6 million pulmonary nodules are detected every year, yet only 3–5% are cancerous. Alarmingly, 60% of these cases are lost to follow-up due to the current system’s inefficiencies and patient non-compliance.
OncoSwab’s technology not only enhances diagnostic accuracy but also streamlines follow-up, improving outcomes while reducing patient attrition. The startup estimates the initial market potential for nodule assessment to be around USD 1.6 billion annually.
Looking ahead, if OncoSwab expands into routine screening across the U.S. and European markets — encompassing approximately 250 million individuals — the revenue potential could soar to USD 250 billion, positioning OncoSwab as a global leader in early cancer diagnostics.

Backed by Strong Partnerships and Investor Confidence

OncoSwab’s progress has already caught the attention of several strategic partners and investors. Alongside Innosuisse’s support, the startup has secured funding from prominent names like ALOM Ventures GmbH and Health Wildcatters, a U.S.-based healthcare accelerator.
The team also benefits from a strong scientific and clinical advisory network, with the current clinical program being led by Dr. Konstantinos Gioutsos and his team at Inselspital Bern. Their shared commitment to innovation and patient-centered solutions underscores the significance of this next phase in OncoSwab’s journey.

➡️ Source: OncoSwab |  📷 L&R: Pablo Lara, Roberta Gatta, Andrea Stephany Diaz.