A patented drug delivery platform treating cancer ‘locally’ – BioSapien – has raised $5.5m that will go towards funding clinical trials in patients of the company’s flagship product, MediChip, a 3D-printed, slow-release drug delivery platform that can be attached to any tissue.
The clinical trials will take place in the UAE – with patient enrolments in Abu Dhabi set to begin in early 2025. Proceeds will also be allocated to increase product development and manufacturing, and onboard new talent.
Initially, BioSapien is developing its platform for clinical trials in colorectal cancer patients, with scope to branch out to other cancers such as pancreatic and lung cancer, and non-cancer indications such as opioids, hormones, biologics, cell and gene therapies.
Khatija Ali, CEO and founder of BioSapien, said: “We are delighted to announce our pre-Series A fundraise to accelerate our clinical trials and product development.
“There is a high unmet need for sustained drug release with minimal side effects in healthcare with over 30 oer cent of chemotherapy patients enduring severe side effects, often resulting in reduced or halted treatment.
“Our vision is to provide on-the-go therapy and treating cancer locally. Our innovative technology is well-placed to reduce roadblocks and increase quality of life during treatment and potentially prevent life-altering surgeries.
“We look forward to working closely with our investors and UAE regulators to progress MediChip and revolutionise cancer treatment.”
Localised drug delivery
Local delivery means more of the drug stays in the tumour microenvironment to aid more efficient oncology – such as downsized tumours, alleviated symptoms and preventing potentially life-altering surgeries. Local delivery also requires less quantities of drugs to be used, while maintaining safety.
Most importantly, for patients – three solvable challenges are tackled: less treatment roadblocks, such as severe side effects halting treatment; better quality-of-life during intensive chemotherapy schedules; and easing the de facto limits, to date, of surgical success.
There is also a decreased need for hospital visits and less exposure to the tedious effects and logistics of systemic therapy.
Noor Sweid, Founder and managing partner of investor Global Ventures, commented: “We are excited to lead BioSapien’s pre-Series A fundraise and support Khatija’s team in providing a pioneering and local solution to colorectal cancer.
“BioSapien’s drug delivery technology utilises advanced 3D printing and epitomises cost-effective innovation in a market ripe for new solutions with benefits for multiple stakeholders – including the most important of all – patients.”
Sacha Haider, partner at Global Ventures, said: “Through localised delivery and using advanced 3D-printing, the company is providing an alternative to traditional cancer treatment. BioSapien’s patented drug delivery platform – MediChip – increases the bioavailability and retention of the desired medication, meaning less is required. This in turn, has the potential to vastly improve the patient’s treatment journey on a global scale.”
