The startup has developed a continuous flow pump that delivers chemotherapy directly to the liver, targeting colorectal cancer and cholangiocarcinoma. This device aims to improve patient survival rates by preventing the development of liver metastases.
Funding
$3.7M 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
Patients with colorectal cancer or bile duct cancer that has spread to the liver face significant challenges, as traditional systemic chemotherapy delivers limited drug concentrations to the liver tumors, potentially leading to insufficient treatment and increased side effects.
Solution
Intera Oncology provides Hepatic Artery Infusion (HAI) therapy, a treatment option for colorectal or bile duct cancer (intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma) that has spread to the liver. The Intera 3000 HAI Pump, an FDA-approved implantable device, delivers a continuous flow of chemotherapy directly to the liver tumors through the hepatic artery. This localized delivery method allows for up to 400 times higher drug concentration in the liver compared to systemic chemotherapy, while limiting potential side effects elsewhere in the body. HAI therapy can reduce tumor burden, improve disease control in the liver, increase the likelihood of conversion to surgical resection, prevent or delay recurrence post-resection, and increase overall survival.
Target Audience
The primary audience includes patients with colorectal cancer that has spread to the liver or bile duct cancer within the liver, as well as the healthcare professionals (surgical and medical oncology teams) who treat them.
Features
- Intera 3000 HAI Pump: An implantable, palm-sized device made of titanium with smooth contours
- Precise, localized drug delivery directly to liver tumors via the hepatic artery
- Continuous flow of chemotherapy powered by body heat, eliminating the need for batteries or motors
- MRI Conditional: Clinicians must meet certain conditions to perform an MRI safely
- Patient ID card provided for travel and medical care