Alaunus Biosciences

Alaunus Biosciences is a San Francisco-based biotechnology company specializing in the development of high-precision diagnostic assays for early cancer detection and risk stratification. Co-founded by Dr. Charles Craik of UCSF, the company utilizes a proprietary substrate profiling platform to identify dysregulated proteolytic activity, which serves as a functional biomarker for invasive cancer. Their lead programs include a minimally invasive assay for identifying pre-malignant pancreatic cysts and a multi-analyte diagnostic for risk-stratifying indeterminate thyroid nodules. By providing highly sensitive and specific activity-based biomarkers, Alaunus aims to improve clinical decision-making and reduce unnecessary surgical interventions. The company operates primarily in stealth mode and has been supported by significant SBIR grant funding.