🧬 UAE biotech startup BioSapien extends pre-Series A to $7M for chemo delivery platform

🧬 UAE-based biotech startup BioSapien has extended its pre-Series A round to $7 million, with new investment from Golden Gate Ventures’ MENA Fund — marking the fund’s first investment in the region, the company announced today.

• The extension follows BioSapien’s initial $5.5 million raise in December, led by Global Ventures, with participation from Dara Holdings.

⏮️ Background

Founded in 2018 by Khatija Ali, BioSapien has developed MediChip, a 3D-printed drug delivery platform designed as an alternative way to deliver chemotherapy. The treatment involves a minimally invasive procedure where a patch is placed directly on the tumour, releasing chemotherapy on-site with minimal side effects.

Unlike traditional chemotherapy, which requires patients to remain in a hospital setting, MediChip allows them to continue their daily activities—driving, working, or sleeping—while still receiving treatment. It also significantly reduces common chemotherapy side effects, including hair loss.

Initially focused on colorectal cancer, BioSapien plans to expand its technology to other cancers, including pancreatic and lung cancer, as well as non-cancer applications such as opioids, hormones, and biologics.

The company joined Hub71 in 2023 to accelerate clinical trials, as Abu Dhabi offers a faster regulatory pathway compared to the US. In the current US funding landscape, securing investment for biotech startups is particularly challenging unless they focus on AI, computational biology, or gene therapy. Female founders face additional hurdles, with only 2% receiving funding.

🔮 Flash-forward

BioSapien plans to use the fresh funds to accelerate clinical trials in the UAE, set to begin in Q2 2025, while also advancing product development and scaling manufacturing capabilities.