Focal Medical has developed an energy-based drug delivery system that utilizes an electric field to precisely administer small molecules directly to solid tumors, significantly increasing local drug concentration while minimizing systemic exposure. This technology targets locally advanced, unresectable pancreatic cancer, providing a new treatment option for patients facing limited therapeutic alternatives.
Funding
$11.6M raised to dateRaised to date based on public sources. This may differ from the amount the company actually raised and is based only on what is publicly available on the internet.
Founders
Product
Problem
Systemic drug delivery for solid tumors often results in limited exposure of the target organ to the therapeutic agent, while also causing negative side effects throughout the body, which may limit the tolerable drug dose. Locally advanced, unresectable pancreatic cancer presents a significant challenge due to its difficult-to-treat nature and limited therapeutic alternatives.
Solution
Focal Medical is developing an energy-based drug delivery system for the local and precise administration of small molecules directly to solid tumors. Their lead product, ACT-IOP-003, utilizes an electric field to actively deliver drugs, such as gemcitabine, directly into the pancreas via non-circulatory pathways, achieving drug concentrations 10 to 100 times higher than systemic delivery. This targeted approach minimizes systemic exposure and associated toxicities, overcoming barriers to drug resistance and potentially shrinking or eradicating tumors. The system is implanted laparoscopically, ensuring a minimally invasive procedure.
Target Audience
The primary target audience includes oncologists treating locally advanced, unresectable pancreatic cancer, as well as patients facing limited therapeutic options.
Features
- Implantable Iontophoresis Chemotherapy Delivery Device (ACT-IOP-003) for targeted drug delivery
- Utilizes an electric field to drive drug molecules directly to target cells via non-circulatory pathways
- Achieves high local drug concentration while minimizing systemic exposure
- Laparoscopic surgical implantation technique for minimally invasive device placement
- Designed for multiple doses of chemotherapeutic agents
- Demonstrated safety and tolerability in preclinical studies using porcine models
- Biocompatible materials compliant with ISO 10993-1 and FDA guidance