#USA #pancreatic cancer #Bradenton #Continuity Biosciences #Focal Medical

Continuity Biosciences Acquires Focal Medical: A New Era in Targeted Drug Delivery

In a significant move within the biopharmaceutical landscape, Continuity Biosciences, LLC has announced its acquisition of Focal Medical, Inc., a biopharmaceutical company renowned for its pioneering work in localized chemotherapy through iontophoresis. This acquisition marks a critical step for Continuity as it aims to cement its place as a leader in targeted therapeutics for difficult-to-treat solid tumors, particularly pancreatic cancer.

Focal Medical, established by a team of eminent scientists and clinicians, has developed an innovative platform that allows for the direct administration of chemotherapy to tumors using iontophoresis technology. This technique employs a mild electric current to transport therapeutic agents precisely into target tissues. By increasing the drug concentration locally while minimizing systemic toxicity, this method is particularly crucial in the treatment of pancreatic cancer and other solid tumors, where conventional therapies often fall short due to extensive side effects and poor drug penetration.

The leading candidate from Focal Medical is a specialized iontophoresis device designed for targeted gemcitabine therapy, which has recently been approved by the FDA as part of an Investigational New Drug (IND) application. Clinical trials for this groundbreaking approach are expected to commence later this year, promising new hope for patients battling one of the deadliest forms of cancer.

Dr. Ramakrishna Venugopalan, CEO of Continuity Biosciences, expressed enthusiasm about this transformative milestone, stating, "Focal Medical’s approach to localized drug delivery aligns seamlessly with our vision of improving bioavailability, reducing systemic exposure, and ultimately enhancing patient outcomes." The strategic acquisition also includes Focal’s complete patent portfolio, its iontophoresis technology platform, and essential equipment, further enriching Continuity’s capabilities.

Focal Medical was co-founded by Dr. Jen Jen Yeh, a distinguished surgical oncologist and professor at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, who is celebrated for her expertise in pancreatic cancer and translational oncology. Her partnership with Dr. Joseph DeSimone, a highly decorated chemist and entrepreneur known globally for his work in nanomedicine and advanced manufacturing, brings immense strength to the innovative spirit of Focal Medical.

Through their proprietary iontophoresis system, Focal Medical has addressed the limitations of traditional gemcitabine administration, which often suffers from insufficient tumor penetration and significant toxicity. Their novel method targets the drug precisely at tumor sites, offering a promising alternative for effective treatment while reducing adverse effects.

Tony Voiers, acting CEO of Focal Medical, noted, "After nearly a decade of research and development, we are thrilled to join the Continuity Biosciences family. We are incredibly grateful to our founders, scientific staff, and investors for their support as we reach this pivotal moment. Collaborating with Continuity ensures our novel therapy progresses into clinical phases where it holds the potential to assist patients facing one of the deadliest cancers."

This acquisition highlights Continuity Biosciences' commitment to developing a diverse portfolio of clinically significant drug delivery platforms, marking a vital step toward becoming a leader in localized therapies within the clinical domain. As it continues to grow, the company asserts its focus on combining advanced drug-device platforms to address chronic and complex diseases.

About Continuity Biosciences
Continuity Biosciences, LLC is a biopharmaceutical company dedicated to developing advanced drug delivery technologies that overcome the limitations of traditional therapeutic modalities. With operational facilities in Bradenton (Florida), Houston (Texas), Raleigh (North Carolina), and Turin (Italy), the company's mission is to enhance treatment options for chronic and complex conditions. For more information, visit www.continuitybiosciences.com

About Focal Medical
Focal Medical, Inc. specializes in energy-based chemotherapy delivery systems that enable direct drug application at tumor locations. The company's primary objective is to enhance treatment efficacy while minimizing toxicity for solid tumors, with an initial focus on pancreatic cancer. More details can be found at www.focalmedical.co.