Drug delivery platform BioSapien raises $5.5mn funding from MENA VC Global Ventures-led investors

The fresh capital will fund BioSapien’s clinical trials in the UAE, with patient enrolments in Abu Dhabi set to begin imminently (Q2 2025), the company said.

Proceeds will also be allocated to increase product development and manufacturing, and onboard new talent, it added.

Khatija Ali, CEO and Founder of BioSapien, said the company is delighted to announce its pre-Series A fundraise to accelerate its clinical trials and product development.

“There is a high unmet need for sustained drug release with minimal side effects in healthcare, with over 30 per 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,” he said.

Ali said the company is looking forward to working closely with its investors and UAE regulators to progress MediChip and revolutionise cancer treatment.

BioSapien’s flagship product – MediChip – is a drug delivery, 3D-printed, slow-release delivery platform attachable to any tissue with minimal systemic side effects.

Local delivery means more of the drug stays in the tumour microenvironment – where the tumour is located – to aid more efficient oncology such as downsized tumours, alleviating symptoms and preventing potentially life-altering surgeries.

Local delivery also requires less quantities of drugs to be used, while maintaining safety, the company said.

Initially, BioSapien is developing its platform for clinical trials in colorectal cancer patients, with scope to branch out to other cancers (pancreatic, lung), and non-cancer indications such as opioids, hormones, biologics, cell and gene therapies.