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

Continuity Biosciences Expands Portfolio with Focal Medical Acquisition

In a significant move to bolster its position in the field of drug delivery technology, Continuity Biosciences, LLC has acquired Focal Medical, Inc., a pioneering biotechnology firm based in North Carolina. This acquisition, announced on June 4, 2025, positions Continuity to enhance its capabilities in developing targeted therapies for hard-to-treat solid tumors, especially pancreatic cancer.

Focal Medical is renowned for its innovative use of iontophoresis, a minimally invasive technique that employs a low electric current to deliver chemotherapeutic agents directly to cancerous tissues. This groundbreaking approach aims to improve local drug concentration while minimizing systemic toxicity, addressing a crucial challenge in treating pancreatic and other solid tumors.

The cornerstone of Focal Medical's technology is a targeted therapy using gemcitabine, a FDA-approved chemotherapy drug. Traditionally, gemcitabine’s efficacy has been hampered by inadequate tumor penetration and significant side effects when administered systemically. By directly administering gemcitabine to tumors through its iontophoresis platform, Focal Medical aims to overcome these limitations, providing a promising alternative for oncologists.

Leadership Insights

Ramakrishna Venugopalan, PhD, MBA, the CEO of Continuity Biosciences, expressed his enthusiasm about the acquisition, stating, “This is a transformative milestone for Continuity Biosciences. Focal Medical’s approach to localized drug administration perfectly aligns with our vision to enhance drug bioavailability, decrease systemic exposure, and ultimately deliver better patient outcomes.” This strategic alignment is expected to enhance Continuity's therapeutic offerings, especially in oncology.

A Bright Future for Cancer Treatment

The acquisition grants Continuity the full range of Focal Medical's patents, its iontophoresis technology, specialized equipment, scientific expertise, and collaborative agreements with the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Key personnel from Focal Medical, including pivotal scientific leaders, will join Continuity, enhancing their already strong internal capabilities.

Moreover, the deal includes a dedicated research and development center in Cary, North Carolina, which will further support the ongoing development of their product pipeline and innovative drug delivery platforms.

Founders of Focal Medical, such as Jen Jen Yeh, MD, a celebrated surgeon oncologist and associate dean at the University of North Carolina, and Joseph DeSimone, PhD, an internationally recognized chemist and professor at Stanford University, have both played vital roles in advancing cancer treatment technologies. Their expertise is invaluable in the journey towards clinical adoption of Focal Medical's innovative therapies.

Tony Voiers, the interim CEO of Focal Medical, shared his excitement, stating, “After nearly a decade of R&D, we are thrilled to join the Continuity family. The collaboration ensures that our novel therapy can progress to clinical practice, where it has the potential to positively impact patients battling one of the deadliest cancers.”

Looking Ahead

This acquisition not only underscores Continuity Biosciences' commitment to advancing significant drug delivery technologies but also marks a crucial step toward establishing leadership in clinical-stage therapies for targeted drug delivery. The integration of Focal Medical's assets will enhance the therapeutic landscape, offering more effective treatment options for patients facing challenging diagnoses.

As Continuity Biosciences continues to innovate and expand its capabilities, the healthcare community and patients alike await new advancements that could redefine treatment paradigms in oncology, and hopefully lead to improved survival rates for patients affected by pancreatic cancer and other solid tumors.

For more details about Continuity Biosciences and its innovative drug delivery solutions, please visit www.continuitybiosciences.com. To learn more about Focal Medical, visit www.focalmedical.co.