The Business of Biofabrication

BioSapien, a UAE-based healthtech company, has extended its pre-Series A funding round to $7 million, securing additional investment from Golden Gate Ventures. This marks the first deployment of the venture firm’s dedicated MENA Fund. The funding follows the company’s previous $5.5 million pre-Series A round in December, led by Global Ventures with additional participation from Dara Holdings.

Founded in 2018, BioSapien focuses on localized drug delivery solutions and has developed MediChip™, a 3D-printed, slow-release drug delivery platform designed for attachment to tissue with minimal systemic side effects. The latest funding will support clinical trials for MediChip™ in the UAE, set to begin in the second quarter of 2025, as well as product development and scaling of manufacturing capabilities.

BioSapien’s technology is positioned to address growing healthcare challenges by offering localized treatment solutions, particularly in oncology. MediChip™ delivers medication directly to tumors, aiming to reduce the side effects associated with traditional systemic chemotherapy while maintaining treatment efficacy. The company is initially focusing on colorectal cancer but has plans to expand the platform to other cancer types, including pancreatic and lung cancer, as well as non-cancer applications such as opioid treatments, hormones, biologics, and cell and gene therapies.

The investment aligns with the UAE’s broader efforts to advance healthcare innovation and biotechnology. Abu Dhabi, in particular, continues to establish itself as a global hub for cutting-edge medical research and treatment. BioSapien’s upcoming clinical trials will contribute to this positioning by introducing an innovative approach to cancer treatment within the region.

With a long-term goal of treating over one million patients by 2035, BioSapien’s recent funding extension reinforces its commitment to expanding its impact in oncology and beyond. The company continues to engage with strategic investors and stakeholders to further develop its platform and expand its reach in the global healthcare sector.

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