Viome Raises $25 Million for Diagnostics Expansion

Viome, a biotech company specializing in microbiome health, has raised $25 million in a Series D funding round to expand its diagnostic division, with significant backing from investors including Khosla Ventures and Marc Benioff. The company has appointed Kal Raman, a former Amazon and Samsung executive, as Chief Operating Officer to lead these initiatives, particularly focusing on the development of early detection tests for chronic diseases and cancer. Viome's existing CancerDetect™ test, which has received FDA breakthrough designation, demonstrates a 90% sensitivity and 95% specificity in detecting oral and throat cancer. The company aims to enhance preventative healthcare, addressing the low rates of early diagnosis in the U.S., where only 8% of Americans undergo routine screenings. Viome plans to leverage AI and personalized health solutions to improve accessibility and effectiveness in diagnostics. Overall, this funding and leadership change signal a commitment to revolutionizing early disease detection and preventative care.