Continuity Biosciences Acquires Focal Medical to Advance Iontophoresis-Based Pancreatic Cancer Therapy
Key Insights
Continuity Biosciences (search) has acquired Focal Medical (search), a North Carolina-based company developing site-specific chemotherapy using iontophoresis technology for pancreatic cancer (search) treatment.
Focal Medical (search)'s lead product candidate uses an iontophoresis device to deliver gemcitabine directly to pancreatic tumors, which has received FDA IND clearance with Phase 1b trials expected to begin later this year.
The acquisition includes Focal Medical (search)'s patent estate, technology platform, and a dedicated R&D facility in Cary, NC, positioning Continuity as a leader in device-targeted therapeutics for solid tumors (search).
Continuity Biosciences (search), LLC announced the acquisition of Focal Medical (search), Inc., a North Carolina-based biopharmaceutical company pioneering site-specific chemotherapy using iontophoresis technology. The acquisition represents a strategic move to advance targeted drug delivery for pancreatic cancer (search), one of the most challenging malignancies to treat effectively.
Innovative Iontophoresis Technology Platform
Focal Medical (search) has developed a proprietary platform that delivers chemotherapy directly to tumors using iontophoresis—a minimally-invasive technique that utilizes a mild electrical current to drive therapeutic compounds into targeted tissues. This method enhances local drug concentration while minimizing systemic toxicity, addressing a critical need in the treatment of pancreatic and other solid-tissue cancers.
The company's lead product candidate is an iontophoresis device designed to deliver gemcitabine, an FDA-approved chemotherapy agent, directly into pancreatic tumors. Traditional systemic administration of gemcitabine is often limited by poor tumor penetration and significant toxicity. Focal's approach bypasses those limitations by delivering the drug directly to the tumor site with high precision and minimal systemic toxicity.
Clinical Development Progress
Focal Medical (search)'s iontophoresis device for gemcitabine therapy has been cleared by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration through an Investigational New Drug (IND) application. Phase 1b clinical trials are expected to begin later this year, marking a significant milestone in bringing this novel therapy to patients.
"This is a transformative milestone for Continuity Biosciences (search)," said Ramakrishna Venugopalan, PhD, MBA, Chief Executive Officer of Continuity Biosciences. "Focal Medical (search)'s approach to localized drug delivery aligns perfectly with our vision to improve bioavailability, reduce systemic exposure, and deliver better outcomes for patients. We are thrilled to bring this promising platform into our portfolio and into the clinic."
Comprehensive Acquisition Details
Through the acquisition, Continuity Biosciences (search) obtains Focal Medical (search)'s entire patent estate, iontophoresis technology platform and specialized equipment, scientific know-how, and licensing agreements with the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Key scientific staff and leadership from Focal will join Continuity, further enhancing its internal capabilities. A dedicated research and development facility in Cary, NC that supports ongoing platform and pipeline advancement is also part of the acquisition and will be expanded to support other delivery platforms.
Distinguished Scientific Leadership
Focal Medical (search) was co-founded by two prominent scientists: Jen Jen Yeh, MD, a surgical oncologist and professor at UNC-Chapel Hill with joint appointments in Surgery and Pharmacology, who serves as assistant dean of translational research in UNC School of Medicine and associate director of translational research in UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center. Dr. Yeh is widely recognized for her expertise in pancreatic cancer (search) and translational oncology.
The company was also co-founded by Joseph DeSimone, PhD, an award-winning chemist, entrepreneur, and academic, currently serving as the Sanjiv Sam Gambhir Professor of Translational Medicine and Chemical Engineering at Stanford University. He is globally known for his breakthroughs in materials science, nanomedicine, and advanced manufacturing, including 3D printing.
Strategic Vision and Future Outlook
"After nearly a decade of R&D, we are excited to join the Continuity Biosciences (search) family," said Tony Voiers, Acting CEO of Focal Medical (search). "We are grateful to our founders, scientific collaborators, and investors who have helped us reach this pivotal point. Partnering with Continuity ensures that this novel therapy moves forward into the clinic where it has the potential to help patients facing one of the deadliest cancers."
This acquisition reinforces Continuity Biosciences (search)' commitment to building a diverse portfolio of clinically meaningful drug delivery platforms and signals a decisive move toward becoming a clinical-stage leader in site-specific therapy. The company, with operations in Bradenton, FL; Houston, TX; Raleigh, NC; and Torino, Italy, focuses on combination drug-device platforms for chronic and complex conditions.