Minnesota startup Embomedics is developing resorbable transarterial chemoembolization microspheres (that’s a mouthful), and is in the midst of a $5 million equity raise to bring ’em to fruition, according to a regulatory filing.
In essence, it has created biodegradable hollow beads that can deliver drugs to a localized tumor site, and additionally block off blood flow to the area – thus killing the tumor on two fronts.
The company, formed in 2012, has licensed this technology from the University of Minnesota. It was patented at the tail-end of 2013. The company is in the last stages of development, CEO Omid Souresrafil said in the below video, and is hoping to soon get approval (though this video dates back to March). Check it out:
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Let’s break down what Embomediics is up to in a bit more detail:
One method to treat tumors is to block off blood flow to the cancerous cells. The procedure is called arterial embolization, in which a minimally invasive surgery makes the artery that supplies life juice to these evil little buggers clot up. This simple procedure is also used in aneurisms, nosebleeds and uterine fibroids.
Upping the ante on this procedure is one called transarterial chemoembolization. First step: Chemo drugs are emulsified, packaged in microspheres and delivered through an artery to attack a tumor, particularly one of the liver. These little drug-containing beads then clot up the artery (sound familiar?), producing the desired effect of cutting off blood flow to the tumor, while concurrently releasing the chemotherapy in a precisely controlled and sustainable manner. This method minimizes the backwash; that is, the clot keeps the toxic chemo chemicals localized in the tumor area.
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HOWEVER, Embomedics asserts that current microspheres available on the market are non-biodegradable, so they just hang around the arteries indefinitely. This can lead to inflammatory and immune response to these alien particles, the company says – so Embomedics is trying to circumvent that by creating a resorbable version of these artery-clogging molecules. Basically, once the microspheres’ job is done, they disintegrate. At a rate that can be predetermined and set by the scientist.
Embomedics sees applications ranging from prostate cancer treatments to broader usage in tumor therapy, as well as in uterine fibroids and – get this – even obesity. Souresrafil said these resorbable microspheres could potentially be used to cut off blood flow to the stomach.
Phew.
