Biotechnology company BioSapien obtains $7 million in funding before Series A for its cancer treatment system
In an exciting development for the global healthcare industry, BioSapien, a biotech startup based in the UAE and the US, has raised an additional $7 million in its pre-Series A funding round. This brings the total funding to over $8 million, which will be used to advance the company's flagship product, MediChip™.
MediChip™ is a 3D-printed biodegradable implant designed for localized, sustained release of chemotherapy directly at tumor sites. This innovative approach aims to minimize systemic toxicity and improve treatment effectiveness for cancer patients. Initially, BioSapien will focus on colorectal cancer patients, but plans to expand its technology to other cancers and non-cancer applications such as opioids, hormones, and biologics.
The new capital will support critical steps including regulatory approvals—especially related to FDA pathways—preclinical and pilot clinical studies, scaling manufacturing, and global market expansion. To accelerate these goals, the company has onboarded 12 new executives in key roles spanning R&D, medical affairs, regulatory (in both US and UAE), pharmacology, manufacturing, and quality control.
Khatija Ali, CEO and Founder of BioSapien, expressed her gratitude for the support received and highlighted the critical juncture as they initiate clinical trials. She noted, "This funding extension is a testament to the promise of MediChip™ and our commitment to revolutionizing cancer treatment."
Michael Lints, Partner at Golden Gate Ventures MENA, expressed admiration for Khatija's passion and vision. He noted that the investment supports a groundbreaking technology and reinforces the Gulf region's role as a global leader in healthcare innovation. This investment marks Golden Gate Ventures' first investment in the MENA region.
Clinical trials for BioSapien's technology will be initiated in Abu Dhabi, aligning with regional healthcare innovation priorities and investor interest. The startup was founded in 2018 by Khatija Ali and has shown promising results in laboratory and animal studies. BioSapien is preparing to advance to first-in-human trials.
With the fresh funds, BioSapien aims to accelerate clinical trials in the UAE, scheduled to begin in Q2 2025, as well as for product development and scaling manufacturing capabilities. The startup's near-term plans focus on navigating regulatory milestones, conducting pilot clinical trials to demonstrate safety and efficacy, and establishing partnerships with healthcare providers to eventually commercialize MediChip™ internationally.
- This innovative approach used by BioSapien's flagship product, MediChip™, aims to enhance health-and-wellness for cancer patients by minimizing systemic toxicity and improving treatment effectiveness, particularly for colorectal cancer patients.
- As part of its expansion, BioSapien plans to use technology to advance MediChip™ beyond cancer treatments, exploring applications for other medical-conditions like opioids, hormones, and biologics.
