UAE-based biotech startup BioSapien has extended its pre-Series A funding round to $7 million. The new investment comes from Golden Gate Ventures’ MENA Fund, marking the fund’s first investment in the region, the company announced today.
This extension follows BioSapien’s initial $5.5 million raise in December 2024, 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 method for chemotherapy administration. The technology enables a minimally invasive procedure, where a patch is placed directly on the tumor, delivering chemotherapy on-site with minimal side effects.
Unlike traditional chemotherapy, MediChip allows patients to continue their daily lives—driving, working, or sleeping—while still undergoing treatment. It also significantly reduces common chemotherapy side effects, such as hair loss.
Initially focusing on colorectal cancer, BioSapien now plans to expand its technology to other types of cancer, including pancreatic and lung cancer, as well as non-cancer treatments such as opioids, hormones, and biologics.
In 2023, the company joined Hub71, an Abu Dhabi-based accelerator, to speed up clinical trials. Abu Dhabi offers a faster regulatory process compared to the US. In the current US funding landscape, biotech startups face challenges securing investment unless they focus on AI, computational biology, or gene therapy. Female founders face additional barriers, receiving only 2% of funding.
Future Plans
With this fresh investment, BioSapien plans to launch clinical trials in the UAE in Q2 2025. Additionally, the company aims to further develop its product and scale up manufacturing capacity.
