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

Continuity Biosciences Strengthens Its Position in Cancer Treatment

In a significant move to address the challenges of pancreatic cancer treatment, Continuity Biosciences, LLC, a progressive leader in drug delivery technologies, has officially acquired Focal Medical, Inc. This strategic acquisition, announced on June 4, 2025, represents a critical advancement in targeted drug delivery systems, which is imperative for treating severe forms of cancer, notably pancreatic tumors that are notorious for their treatment resistance.

Advancements in Targeted Delivery

Focal Medical, headquartered in North Carolina, has pioneered a unique platform that employs iontophoresis—a method that uses mild electrical currents to drive chemotherapy directly into tumor cells. This innovative approach allows for a significantly higher concentration of drugs at the site of the tumor while greatly reducing the systemic toxicity typically associated with conventional chemotherapy.

The lead product from Focal Medical, which has already received FDA clearance via an Investigational New Drug (IND) application, targets gemcitabine therapy specifically for pancreatic cancer. With Phase 1b clinical trials slated to begin later this year, this acquisition places Continuity in an advantageous position to influence the future landscape of cancer treatment.

Visionary Leaders Behind the Innovation

Focal Medical was co-founded by Dr. Jen Jen Yeh, a noted surgical oncologist and professor at UNC-Chapel Hill, alongside Dr. Joseph DeSimone, a celebrated chemist. Dr. Yeh's extensive expertise in pancreatic cancer coupled with Dr. DeSimone's groundbreaking work in materials science aligns perfectly with Continuity's vision of transforming cancer treatment not just through innovation but also through a commitment to enhance patient outcomes.

Expanding Capabilities and Facilities

With this acquisition, Continuity Biosciences obtains not only the valuable patents and technologies developed by Focal Medical but also retains key scientific personnel who will contribute their knowledge and research prowess to Continuity’s expanding portfolio. Moreover, a specialized R&D facility in Cary, NC—designed to continue the advancement of Focal’s iontophoresis platform—will be revitalized to support additional delivery methodologies.

Ramakrishna Venugopalan, CEO of Continuity Biosciences, emphasized the importance of this acquisition, stating, "Focal Medical's methodologies and technology perfectly align with our objective to enhance bioavailability and reduce systemic exposure, ultimately aiming to improve patient outcomes. We are excited to integrate this revolutionary platform into our therapeutic solutions."

A Commitment to Innovation

Tony Voiers, Acting CEO of Focal Medical, expressed enthusiasm regarding the merger, stating, "After spending nearly ten years in R&D, partnering with Continuity guarantees that our groundbreaking therapy will progress into clinical use, benefiting patients battling one of the most lethal forms of cancer."

This acquisition not only reinforces Continuity Biosciences' dedication to innovating drug delivery platforms but also solidifies its status as a future leader in targeted cancer therapies. By focusing on localized drug administration systems, they are poised to make substantial contributions to how patients with solid tumors are treated.

About Continuity Biosciences

Continuity Biosciences, LLC, operates across multiple locations, including Bradenton, FL; Houston, TX; Raleigh, NC; and Torino, Italy. Their commitment to developing advanced drug delivery systems aims to overcome the limitations facing conventional therapy methods, providing new hope for those suffering from chronic and complex conditions.

About Focal Medical

Focal Medical, Inc. is dedicated to the creation of energy-based chemotherapy delivery systems that provide focused drug application to tumors, striving to enhance treatment effectiveness while limiting toxicity.

For more information, visit Continuity Biosciences and Focal Medical.