Predictive Oncology Inc. (NASDAQ: POAI) has completed the sale of assets related to its wholly owned subsidiary, Skyline Medical Inc., to DeRoyal Industries, a global manufacturer and supplier of medical products. The transaction allows Predictive Oncology to concentrate on its core artificial intelligence and machine learning capabilities for cancer drug discovery while positioning the STREAMWAY® System with an established market leader.
The asset sale comes in anticipation of Predictive Oncology's previously announced merger with Renovaro Biosciences, as the company streamlines its operations to focus exclusively on AI-driven pharmaceutical development.
Strategic Refocusing on AI-Driven Drug Discovery
Skyline Medical's business had operated outside Predictive Oncology's primary focus on using artificial intelligence to accelerate early drug discovery for cancer patients. The company implemented a restructuring plan for Skyline Medical in late 2023, which successfully returned the business unit to profitability by the end of 2024.
"Having largely achieved this goal by the end of 2024, we then looked to consummate a synergistic business combination with an industry leader that would enable Skyline Medical to reach its full potential. That is exactly what this transaction with DeRoyal represents," stated Josh Blacher, Chief Financial Officer of Predictive Oncology.
Predictive Oncology's AI platform, PEDAL, can predict with 92% accuracy if a tumor sample will respond to specific drug compounds. This capability, combined with the company's biobank of more than 150,000 assay-capable heterogeneous human tumor samples, positions Predictive Oncology as a leader in AI-based drug discovery solutions.
STREAMWAY® System Transitions to DeRoyal
The FDA-cleared STREAMWAY® System, developed by Skyline Medical, provides healthcare professionals with an automated method for managing potentially hazardous fluids generated during surgeries or other medical procedures. The direct-to-drain wall suction waste fluid management technology reduces manual handling, eliminates spillage risks, and streamlines waste management in medical settings.
DeRoyal Industries will now offer the STREAMWAY® product line under its brand, ensuring continuity for existing customers while expanding the technology's reach to new healthcare facilities.
"We are excited to integrate this innovative wall suction waste fluid management system into our product offerings," said Chris Schulze, Chief Sales Officer of DeRoyal Industries. "This acquisition strengthens our position as a leader in healthcare waste management solutions, enabling us to better serve our customers with advanced, environmentally friendly technologies."
Market Impact and Future Outlook
For DeRoyal Industries, a company with over 50 years of experience providing healthcare solutions, the acquisition aligns with their commitment to improving safety, efficiency, and sustainability in healthcare facilities. The STREAMWAY® technology complements DeRoyal's existing portfolio of surgical, wound care, infection prevention, and waste management products.
The transaction was structured as an asset sale, with all necessary approvals obtained prior to completion. Financial details of the transaction were not disclosed in the announcement.
This strategic move positions both companies to better serve their respective markets—Predictive Oncology in the rapidly growing field of AI-driven pharmaceutical research and DeRoyal in providing comprehensive healthcare product solutions to medical facilities worldwide.
Broader Industry Context
The transaction reflects a growing trend in the healthcare technology sector where companies are increasingly focusing on their core competencies while divesting non-strategic assets. For Predictive Oncology, this means concentrating resources on its AI-driven drug discovery platform that has shown promising results in predicting drug efficacy for specific tumor types.
The company's headquarters in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, will continue to serve as the center for its AI and machine learning operations, including its CLIA laboratory facility that supports drug discovery efforts.
As the healthcare industry continues to embrace artificial intelligence for drug development, Predictive Oncology's strategic refocusing positions the company to potentially accelerate the identification of effective cancer treatments, ultimately benefiting patients through more targeted and effective therapies.
