How SugarStrings.ai Is Changing Genetic Disease Detection From Cheek Swab

For many years, Tony Jose worked in genomics research and diagnostics. He studied how genetic conditions affect human health. While he was CEO of Clevergene Biocorp, one thought kept coming back to him. Many genetic disorders are called rare. But when you add them all together, they affect a large number of people.

“Genetic disorders are essentially rare diseases. But while they are individually rare, as a group it becomes a burden on the population,” Jose tells YourStory. He gives an example: hypertension is often seen as a lifestyle problem, yet some genetic conditions can lead to it.

This idea led Jose and Rajasekhara Reddy Ravuri, who was then Chief Scientific Officer at Clevergene Biocorp, to start a new company. In 2023, they launched Bengaluru-based SugarStrings. The name comes from the sugar backbone of DNA, called deoxyribose. The goal is to help people understand their genetic risks through one DNA test.

“We realised SugarStrings would be the best way to actualise our idea for the mainstream, enabling people to screen themselves, understand their genetic predispositions, and work on preventing or managing them,” says Jose, who is now CEO of SugarStrings.

The six-member founding team also includes co-founder Dhaneesh Jameson. Jose and Ravuri have left their day-to-day roles at Clevergene Biocorp, though Jose remains a director there.

One Test That Checks Thousands of Conditions

SugarStrings’ main product is called Healthstring. It is a DNA sequencing test that uses a simple cheek swab. From that sample, the test screens for more than 7,442 genetic disorders in one go.

Most traditional tests need a blood sample. SugarStrings chose cheek swabs instead. Jose explains why: “The non-invasive approach is easier for sample collection, bypasses challenges like cold chains, and has a psychological advantage—people are more proactive about their health when they can self-collect samples.”

In the last five years, the cost of DNA sequencing has fallen to about one-third of what it used to be. The Healthstring test currently costs Rs 58,000. Results are delivered in five days to one month.

The company does more than just tell people their risk level. “We don’t just provide the likelihood of developing a disease. We go through the DNA sequencing, find the exact mutation, and create a detailed report on all the possible diseases that can come from that mutation. The report is such that clinical action can be taken referring to it,” Jose says.

Healthstring screens for 7,442 disorders. This includes 188 hereditary cancers and 302 heart-related diseases. By comparison, New York-based Nucleus Genomics screens for around 2,100 disorders, and Bengaluru-based Strand Life Sciences screens for about 250.

SugarStrings has chosen to offer one broad test rather than many small ones. “The key reason we are sticking with a comprehensive test is that the human body is a connected system where diseases affecting a primary organ can have effects on overall function of the body,” Jose says.

He believes the price can come down further as sequencing becomes cheaper and more people use the test.

Better Results for Different Populations

Many global genetic databases are built mainly on data from people of European ancestry. This can make it harder to spot disease-causing mutations in people from other backgrounds.

SugarStrings has built its own machine-learning system that finds new mutations with 94.89% accuracy. This helps the company analyse genetic data from more diverse groups of people.

Growing Step by Step

SugarStrings started operations in the last financial year. It has served around 100 clients so far and has tested its technology with more than 1,800 patients.

“This year, we aim to scale to 1,000 customers,” Jose says.

To reach more people, the startup has partnered with hospitals. These include Narayana Health and Manipal Hospital in Bengaluru, and Aster Medcity in Kochi.

Dr Nalanda Jayadev, Regional CEO of Central Kerala and Aster Medcity, sees great value in genetic screening. “Instead of waiting for disease to manifest, we can identify individual risks early, intervene proactively, and tailor prevention and treatment to each person’s unique genetic profile,” he says. “This transformation will make healthcare more predictive, precise, and patient-centric, improving outcomes while using resources more wisely.”

He adds that genomics could change medicine in the same way imaging changed it in the last century.

Right now, 80% of SugarStrings’ customers come directly to the company. Jose expects this mix to change as the firm works with five more hospitals.

Keeping Genetic Data Safe

As more people take genetic tests, worries about data privacy have grown. A major breach at 23andMe affected 6.9 million users and raised many questions.

Jose says protecting genetic information has been important from the start. “We decentralise data to minimise hacking risks and comply with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics guidelines. We are compliant to local certifications as well such as those under Karnataka Private Medical Establishment Act for offering diagnostic solutions,” he says.

Plans for the Future

SugarStrings started with Rs 3 crore of its own money. In its first year it earned Rs 20 lakh in revenue. This year the company aims for Rs 4.5 crore in annual revenue.

It plans to raise $1 million. The money will go into research, improving the platform for doctors and patients, and expanding into the UAE, South Africa, Australia and Canada.

The market for genomics companies in India is currently valued at $482 million. It is expected to reach $1.8 billion by 2033. This shows there is room for companies like SugarStrings to grow if they scale well.

Jose believes genomics and artificial intelligence will keep changing healthcare. “Hospitals and doctors are increasingly adopting advanced diagnostics techniques and AI-driven tools. We’re seeing rising interest in technology for better patient outcomes,” he says.

SugarStrings is still a young company. Its idea is simple: one cheek swab, one detailed report, and a clearer picture of genetic risks. By making the test comprehensive and focusing on diverse populations, the team hopes to help more people take early steps to protect their health.