About Biosapien
Biosapien is a UAE-based biotechnology startup developing new ways to deliver cancer treatment. Founded by Khatija Ali, the company is working on a biodegradable implant designed to release chemotherapy directly at the site of a tumour, with the aim of improving treatment while reducing side effects.
Conventional chemotherapy is usually given through the bloodstream, which carries the drugs throughout the body. While this can reach cancer cells, it also affects healthy tissue, causing well-known side effects such as nausea, fatigue, hair loss and weakened immunity. Patients often need repeated hospital visits for infusions.
Biosapien's approach is localised drug delivery. Its implant, developed under the name MediChip, is designed to be placed at or near the tumour, where it releases medication over time. Because the drug is delivered where it is needed, a lower overall dose may be required, potentially reducing side effects on the rest of the body.
The implant is intended to be biodegradable, breaking down naturally in the body after it has released its medication. This would avoid the need for a second procedure to remove it.
The company uses advanced manufacturing techniques, including 3D printing, to produce implants that can be tailored to different treatment needs. Customisation could allow the implant's size, shape and drug release profile to be adapted for different types of cancer.
As with all medical innovations, the technology must go through extensive testing, including laboratory studies and clinical trials, before it can be used in patients. This process takes time and requires regulatory approval to ensure safety and effectiveness.
Biosapien has gained recognition in innovation programmes and competitions for its work in the region's life sciences sector.
The UAE has been investing in biotechnology and life sciences, with initiatives to attract research-driven companies and develop local capabilities in advanced healthcare.
Cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide, and treatments that improve outcomes and quality of life are a major focus of medical research.
Biosapien represents an ambitious deep tech approach to cancer care from the UAE, and Startups UAE profiles it among the country's biotech startups.
Conventional chemotherapy is usually given through the bloodstream, which carries the drugs throughout the body. While this can reach cancer cells, it also affects healthy tissue, causing well-known side effects such as nausea, fatigue, hair loss and weakened immunity. Patients often need repeated hospital visits for infusions.
Biosapien's approach is localised drug delivery. Its implant, developed under the name MediChip, is designed to be placed at or near the tumour, where it releases medication over time. Because the drug is delivered where it is needed, a lower overall dose may be required, potentially reducing side effects on the rest of the body.
The implant is intended to be biodegradable, breaking down naturally in the body after it has released its medication. This would avoid the need for a second procedure to remove it.
The company uses advanced manufacturing techniques, including 3D printing, to produce implants that can be tailored to different treatment needs. Customisation could allow the implant's size, shape and drug release profile to be adapted for different types of cancer.
As with all medical innovations, the technology must go through extensive testing, including laboratory studies and clinical trials, before it can be used in patients. This process takes time and requires regulatory approval to ensure safety and effectiveness.
Biosapien has gained recognition in innovation programmes and competitions for its work in the region's life sciences sector.
The UAE has been investing in biotechnology and life sciences, with initiatives to attract research-driven companies and develop local capabilities in advanced healthcare.
Cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide, and treatments that improve outcomes and quality of life are a major focus of medical research.
Biosapien represents an ambitious deep tech approach to cancer care from the UAE, and Startups UAE profiles it among the country's biotech startups.