US-based drug delivery technology company Continuity Biosciences has acquired Focal Medical, which specialises in site-specific chemotherapy through its iontophoresis platform.
The acquisition aims to advance targeted drug delivery for pancreatic cancer, to improve treatment efficacy and reduce systemic toxicity.
Focal Medical has developed an energy-based chemotherapy platform that delivers the therapeutics directly to tumour sites using iontophoresis.
The minimally invasive technique employs a mild electrical current to drive therapeutic compounds into targeted tissues, enhancing local drug concentration and minimising toxicity.
The method addresses the limitations of traditional systemic administration of gemcitabine, which often suffers from poor tumour penetration and significant toxicity.
Focal Medical acting CEO Tony Voiers said: “After nearly a decade of R&D, we are excited to join the Continuity Biosciences family.
“We are grateful to our founders, scientific collaborators, and investors who have helped us reach this pivotal point.
“Partnering with Continuity ensures that this novel therapy moves forward into the clinic, where it has the potential to help patients facing one of the deadliest cancers.”
Focal Medical’s lead product candidate, an iontophoresis device-directed gemcitabine therapy for pancreatic cancer, has received the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Investigational New Drug (IND) approval.
The acquisition provides Continuity Biosciences with Focal Medical’s entire patent estate, including its iontophoresis technology platform, specialised equipment, and expertise.
It also includes licensing agreements with the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Focal’s key scientific staff and leadership will join Continuity and enhance its internal capabilities.
In addition, a dedicated research and development facility in Cary, North Carolina, will be expanded to support the advancement of its ongoing platform and pipeline.
Continuity Biosciences CEO Ramakrishna Venugopalan said: “This is a transformative milestone for Continuity Biosciences.
“Focal Medical’s approach to localised drug delivery aligns perfectly with our vision to improve bioavailability, reduce systemic exposure, and deliver better outcomes for patients. We are thrilled to bring this promising platform into our portfolio and into the clinic.”
