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

Continuity Biosciences' Strategic Acquisition of Focal Medical

In an exciting move within the pharmaceutical industry, Continuity Biosciences, a company focused on advanced drug delivery technologies, has announced its acquisition of Focal Medical, Inc. This North Carolina-based biopharmaceutical company has pioneered localized chemotherapy techniques using iontophoresis. The acquisition marks a significant milestone in Continuity Biosciences’ strategy to become a leading player in the area of targeted therapies, particularly for challenging solid tumors like pancreatic cancer.

Focal Medical, renowned for its innovative approach, developed a proprietary platform that enables direct delivery of chemotherapy to tumors via iontophoresis. This minimally invasive method employs a low electrical current to drive therapeutic compounds into targeted tissues, significantly enhancing local drug concentration while minimizing systemic toxicity. This is crucial for conditions like pancreatic cancer, where the traditional chemotherapy administration often leads to limited drug penetration and considerable side effects.

Their flagship candidate, an iontophoresis device aimed at administering gemcitabine specifically for pancreatic cancer treatment, has already secured approval under an Investigational New Drug (IND) application from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Phase 1b clinical trials are expected to commence later this year, bringing hope to patients battling one of the most fatal cancers.

Dr. Ramakrishna Venugopalan, CEO of Continuity Biosciences, described the acquisition as transformative. He emphasized that Focal Medical's localized drug delivery method aligns with Continuity’s goal of improving bioavailability, reducing systemic exposure, and ultimately delivering better outcomes for patients. The integration of this promising platform into Continuity's portfolio is anticipated to accelerate clinical applications.

As part of the acquisition, Continuity Biosciences gains access to Focal Medical’s intellectual property, their iontophoresis technology, specialized equipment, scientific expertise, and licensing agreements with the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Notably, key scientists and leaders from Focal Medical will also join Continuity, strengthening their internal capabilities. Additionally, a dedicated research and development center in Cary, North Carolina, which contributes to the ongoing advancement of the platform and its pipeline, will be further developed to support other delivery systems.

The visionary founders of Focal Medical include Dr. Jen Jen Yeh, a prominent oncologist and professor at UNC-Chapel Hill, who plays a pivotal role in translational research and cancer treatment. Alongside her is Dr. Joseph DeSimone, a distinguished chemist and entrepreneur, currently holding a chair in translational medicine at Stanford University. Both founders are well-recognized for their contributions to pancreatic cancer treatment and translational oncology.

Their iontophoresis system is designed to deliver FDA-approved gemcitabine directly to pancreatic tumors, overcoming the limitations of conventional systemic administration, which often results in poor tumor penetration and high toxicity. By targeting the drug delivery precisely to the tumor site, the Focal method shows great promise in improving treatment efficacy.

Interim CEO of Focal Medical, Tony Voiers, expressed enthusiasm about joining Continuity Biosciences. He acknowledges the support from founders, scientific collaborators, and investors that have helped bring their vision closer to reality. The partnership with Continuity ensures that their groundbreaking treatment is on a fast track to clinical introduction, with the potential to significantly aid patients facing one of the most formidable forms of cancer.

This acquisition solidifies Continuity Biosciences’ commitment to building a diverse portfolio of clinically meaningful drug delivery platforms and represents a decisive step towards achieving leadership in localized therapies. With this strategic move, both companies are poised to make a monumental impact on the treatment landscape for solid tumors like pancreatic cancer.

About Continuity Biosciences
Continuity Biosciences, LLC is a biopharmaceutical company that develops advanced drug delivery technologies aimed at pushing the boundaries of conventional therapeutic administration. Headquartered in Bradenton, Florida, with locations in Houston, Texas, Raleigh, North Carolina, and Turin, Italy, the company focuses on drug-device combination platforms for chronic and complex diseases. For more information, visit www.continuitybiosciences.com.

About Focal Medical
Focal Medical, Inc. specializes in energy-based chemotherapy delivery systems, allowing direct application of medications to tumor sites. Their mission is to enhance treatment efficacy while minimizing toxicity in solid tumors, with an initial focus on pancreatic cancer. For additional details, visit www.focalmedical.co.