Latest news with #BioSapien
Khaleej Times
17-04-2025
- Health
- Khaleej Times
UAE: Chemo without side effects? Healthcare startups redefine treatment, prevention of illness
From wearable baby thermometers to AI-generated digital twins, health tech is moving faster than ever. During the Abu Dhabi Global Health Week event, startups from around the world showcased innovations that promise to reshape how we treat, monitor, and even prevent illness. Innovative startups in the healthcare industry are redefining how we look at health and medicine. Here are some of their creations: Eliminating side effects Chemotherapy is a common cancer treatment but often comes with harsh side effects, including loss of appetite, nausea, and hair loss. Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels. To combat this, a New York-based company, BioSapien is developing a 3D-printed biodegradable mesh that delivers chemotherapy drugs directly to the site of the tumor, thus minimising harm to the rest of the body. Rolling out their first human clinical trials in Abu Dhabi soon, BioSapien CTO Joseph Borrelo said that the company met with the Department of Health, Abu Dhabi, to be able to move to the next phase. He said, 'You'll get all the benefits of chemotherapy without the detriments. That's what we've seen in our animal pre-clinical testing and that's what we're preparing to do for our first in-human trial.' Building a biological twin Two startups are reimagining how we think about personal health data, by turning it into something you can actually see: a digital twin. BioTwin builds virtual replicas of individuals using just a few drops of blood, combined with data from wearables and health records. 'Using artificial intelligence, we can track up to 200,000 different biomarkers,' Noel said. These samples are collected regularly to form what he calls a 'virtual twin' that can assist with early detection of diseases. Meanwhile, eMedSupport is applying AI to improve care for cardiovascular patients. Created by cardiologist and researcher Dr Denis, the system builds digital patient profiles by analysing electronic health records against clinical guidelines. It then helps doctors assess risk factors, adjust treatment plans, and even predict outcomes over time. 'As a physician, it's hard when a patient has multiple conditions,' he said. 'This platform makes it easier to find the right treatment path.' With support from major health systems in the GCC, eMedSupport is also working with Cleveland Clinic on predictive models for cholesterol levels and disease progression. Affordable prosthetics Truelimbs manufactures artificial body parts for those who need help with mobility. However, unlike your typical prosthetics company, Truelimbs is centered around affordability and low costs. Mansour Hamada, the founder and CEO of the prosthetic company, said that Truelimbs manufactures prosthetics for '$5,000 to $10,000, depending on the level and the type of prosthetic we make, whereas the average price for prosthetics in the market today are $50,000 to $70,000. The Egyptian native said he has worked on this project for 19 years, with the stated goal of affordability in mind. 'Because of the Egyptian market and the [UAE] market, it's like a commercial market, people can't afford the cost of the prosthetic limbs. At the same time, we want to make it affordable for everyone. That's how the idea of making a low-cost prosthetic limb started,' he said. Hamada explained that the process of obtaining a prosthetic limb includes a series of steps, which begins with a consultation and moves to receiving a mock limb. The mock limb is printed using a 3D printer along with a socket for fitting, and ends with some training for a person to get used to their new artificial limb. Wearable thermometer for babies Raising a newborn baby can be overwhelming, especially when it comes to your baby's high fever. Serbian company BabyFM aims to reduce that anxiety with a wearable thermometer that continuously monitors the baby's temperature and sends real-time alerts to an app. By fixing the thermometer to a baby's body in a non-invasive way, the device can constantly feed information to the BabyFM app and even create a curve of when temperatures drop or rise. Co-founder Dr Dzihan Abazovic said, 'It's originally built with the idea to help and support the parents when you have, especially the first baby, when it has a temperature, you are not sleeping all night.' Though it has still not been rolled out in the UAE, Abazovic said it will be introduced in early June.
CairoScene
28-01-2025
- Business
- CairoScene
UAE-Based BioSapien Secures $7 Million to Advance Cancer Treatment
BioSapien works to advance its 3D-printed drug delivery tech, aiming to treat over a million patients by 2035. Jan 28, 2025 BioSapien, a biotech startup with operations in both the UAE and the US, has extended its pre-Series A funding to $7 million, attracting new investment from Golden Gate Ventures' MENA Fund. This marks the fund's inaugural investment in the region. The extended round follows an initial $5.5 million raise in December, led by Global Ventures, with additional participation from Dara Holdings. Founded in 2018 by Khatija Ali, BioSapien has developed MediChip, a 3D-printed drug delivery platform that targets cancer cells with precision while minimising the systemic side effects of conventional treatments. The funds raised will be used to expedite clinical trials in the UAE, scheduled to begin in Q2 2025, and to scale product development and manufacturing. MediChip's technology delivers medications directly to tumours, reducing the amount of drugs required without compromising effectiveness. Initially focused on treating colorectal cancer, the startup plans to expand its platform to address other cancers, including pancreatic and lung cancers, as well as non-cancer applications like hormone therapy and biologics. BioSapien aims to treat over one million patients by 2035.
Zawya
28-01-2025
- Business
- Zawya
BioSapien extends funding to $7mln, places UAE as global medtech hub
UAE – Healthtech BioSapien has successfully extended its pre-Series A funding round to $7 million, anchoring UAE's position as a global medtech hub, according to a press release. The platform will use the investment to tackle escalating cancer rates by leveraging advanced 3D printing technology. MediChip™ offers an advanced approach to deliver localised treatment, reducing systemic side effects, and improving patient outcomes. The funding will accelerate clinical trials in the UAE for MediChip™, BioSapien's patented 3D-printed, slow-release drug delivery platform. Additionally, the capital will be allocated to product development and scaling manufacturing capabilities. Meanwhile, the UAE clinical trials set to begin in the second quarter (Q2) of 2025. The extension follows December's $5.50 million pre-Series A funding round, which was led by MENA's leading VC firm Global Ventures, with additional participation from Dara Holdings. Khatija Ali, CEO and Founder of BioSapien, said: 'Together, we are working towards a future where localized cancer treatment becomes the global standard.' Michael Lints, Partner at Golden Gate Ventures MENA, commented: 'Investing in BioSapien aligns with our commitment to supporting transformative technologies that address significant global challenges.' 'This investment not only supports a groundbreaking technology but also reinforces the Gulf region's role as a global leader in healthcare innovation,' Lints added.
Wamda
27-01-2025
- Business
- Wamda
BioSapien extends its pre-Series A round to $7 million
UAE-based healthtech BioSapien has extended its pre-Series A funding round to $7 million, joined by new investors like Golden Gate Ventures, marking the first deployment of its dedicated MENA Fund. Founded in 2018 by Khatija Ali, BioSapien offers a flagship product, MediChip™, which is a drug delivery, 3D-printed, slow-release delivery platform attachable to any tissue with minimal systemic side effects. The extension follows December's $5.5 million pre-Series A funding round, which was led by Global Ventures, with additional participation from Dara Holdings. Press release: BioSapien, the pioneering biotech company behind MediChip™, a revolutionary localised cancer treatment platform, has successfully extended its pre-Series A funding round to $7 million. This milestone includes new strategic investment from leading investors, including Golden Gate Ventures, marking its first deployment through its dedicated MENA Fund. The urgency to tackle escalating cancer rates, coupled with the UAE's forward-thinking healthcare initiatives, makes this the ideal moment for BioSapien's expansion. By leveraging advanced 3D printing technology, MediChip™ offers a breakthrough approach by delivering targeted, localised treatment, reducing systemic side effects, and improving patient outcomes. This innovation aligns seamlessly with the UAE's focus on elevating quality of life through technology. This investment reinforces BioSapien's commitment to advancing patient-centred oncology solutions while contributing to the UAE's growing prominence as a global leader in health innovation. The funding will accelerate clinical trials in the UAE for MediChip™, BioSapien's patented 3D-printed, slow-release drug delivery platform, with UAE clinical trials set to begin in Q2 2025. Additionally, the capital will be allocated to product development and scaling manufacturing capabilities. The UAE's dedication to fostering cutting-edge medical advancements is pivotal to BioSapien's mission. MediChip™'s first-in-region clinical trials represent a significant milestone, enhancing Abu Dhabi's position as a global healthcare innovation hub. The collaboration with local stakeholders underscores the Gulf region's potential as a key player in pioneering treatments that address global healthcare challenges. The extension follows December's $5.5 million pre-Series A funding round, which was led by MENA's leading VC firm Global Ventures, with additional participation from Dara Holdings. Khatija Ali, CEO and Founder of BioSapien, said: 'We are delighted to announce our new investment and are grateful for all the support we have received. The expertise and belief in our vision from our investors come at a critical juncture as we initiate clinical trials in Abu Dhabi. Together, we are working towards a future where localised cancer treatment becomes the global standard.' Michael Lints, Partner at Golden Gate Ventures MENA, commented: 'Having met CEO and Founder Khatija at Hub71 in Abu Dhabi, we were instantly impressed by her passion and vision. Investing in BioSapien aligns with our commitment to supporting transformative technologies that address significant global challenges. This investment not only supports a groundbreaking technology but also reinforces the Gulf region's role as a global leader in healthcare innovation.' BioSapien's flagship product - MediChip™ - is a drug delivery, 3D-printed, slow-release delivery platform attachable to any tissue with minimal systemic side effects. By delivering medication directly to the tumour, MediChip™ minimises side effects often associated with systemic chemotherapy. Local delivery also requires fewer quantities of drugs to be used while still effectively treating the tumour. 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, and cell and gene therapies. The company's mission is to treat over one million patients by 2035 via its versatile technology.
Zawya
27-01-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Biosapien extends Pre-Series A funding round to $7mln
Abu Dhabi, U.A.E – BioSapien, the pioneering biotech company behind MediChip™, a revolutionary localized cancer treatment platform, has successfully extended its pre-Series A funding round to $7 million. This milestone includes new strategic investment from leading investors including Golden Gate Ventures, marking its first deployment through its dedicated MENA Fund. The urgency to tackle escalating cancer rates, coupled with the UAE's forward-thinking healthcare initiatives, makes this the ideal moment for BioSapien's expansion. By leveraging advanced 3D printing technology, MediChip™ offers a breakthrough approach by delivering targeted, localized treatment, reducing systemic side effects, and improving patient outcomes. This innovation aligns seamlessly with the UAE's focus on elevating quality of life through technology. This investment reinforces BioSapien's commitment to advancing patient-centered oncology solutions while contributing to the UAE's growing prominence as a global leader in health innovation. The funding will accelerate clinical trials in the UAE for MediChip™, BioSapien's patented 3D-printed, slow-release drug delivery platform, with UAE clinical trials set to begin in Q2 2025. Additionally, the capital will be allocated to product development and scaling manufacturing capabilities. The UAE's dedication to fostering cutting-edge medical advancements is pivotal to BioSapien's mission. MediChip™'s first-in-region clinical trials represent a significant milestone, enhancing Abu Dhabi's position as a global healthcare innovation hub. The collaboration with local stakeholders underscores the Gulf region's potential as a key player in pioneering treatments that address global healthcare challenges. The extension follows December's $5.5 million pre-Series A funding round - which was led by MENA's leading VC firm – Global Ventures, with additional participation from Dara Holdings. Khatija Ali, CEO and Founder of BioSapien, said: 'We are delighted to announce our new investment and are grateful for all the support we have received. The expertise and belief in our vision from our investors comes at a critical juncture as we initiate clinical trials in Abu Dhabi. Together, we are working towards a future where localized cancer treatment becomes the global standard.' Michael Lints, Partner at Golden Gate Ventures MENA, commented: 'Having met CEO and Founder Khatija at Hub71 in Abu Dhabi, we were instantly impressed by her passion and vision. Investing in BioSapien aligns with our commitment to supporting transformative technologies that address significant global challenges. This investment not only supports a groundbreaking technology but also reinforces the Gulf region's role as a global leader in healthcare innovation.' BioSapien's flagship product - MediChip™ - is a drug delivery, 3D-printed, slow-release delivery platform attachable to any tissue with minimal systemic side effects. By delivering medication directly to the tumor, MediChip™ minimizes side effects often associated with systemic chemotherapy. Local delivery also requires less quantities of drugs to be used, while still effectively treating the tumor. 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. The company's mission is to treat over one million patients by 2035 via its versatile technology. -Ends- Further information Thoburns Johanna Lawson-Dick About Golden Gate Ventures Golden Gate Ventures is a global, early-stage venture capital firm that empowers audacious founders across 3 continents. Founded in 2011, Golden Gate Ventures combines the knowledge and experience of Silicon Valley with the passion and experience in emerging startup ecosystems, establishing local roots with global reach. For over a decade, the firm's role is not just to fund founders as investors, but to nurture vibrant startup ecosystems with sustained growth. Golden Gate Ventures has invested in over 90 companies with 9 unicorns and 2 IPOs across its portfolio. Notable companies include Carro, Coda Payments, Stripe, Carousell, Xendit, AngelList, and Multiplier. For more information, visit
