BioSapien is preparing to launch a Phase I clinical trial in Abu Dhabi by mid-2026 after securing investment and the regulatory approvals needed to test its cancer treatment.
The San Diego-based biotechnology company is developing MediChip™, a 3D-printed implant designed to deliver chemotherapy directly to tumour tissue. The approach aims to target treatment at the source while reducing the side effects associated with conventional chemotherapy, according to the company.
Through Hub71, founder and CEO Dr. Khatija Ali presented BioSapien at Abu Dhabi Finance Week. The exposure led to an appearance on Shark Tank Dubai, where all four investors offered to back the company. BioSapien selected Global Ventures as lead investor in its AED 27.5M ($7.5M) funding round.
After entering Abu Dhabi’s health and life sciences ecosystem in 2023, BioSapien obtained approvals from the Department of Health Abu Dhabi for its Investigational New Drug submission, the Emirates Drug Establishment for clinical trials and an Institutional Review Board. The company said its trial drug has also been cleared for entry into the UAE.
BioSapien plans to run future Phase I trials from the UAE. Hub71 said the company’s progress demonstrates how connections to investors, regulators and clinical institutions can help startups advance research from Abu Dhabi.
Source: Hub71
