Firm-Tech company in tumor control

A Dutch Pharma-Tech business, founded in 2023, is developing a range of innovative products to treat hard-to-treat tumors. The products are more effective, cause fewer side effects and remain affordable, with clear potential to transform the oncology market - which is US$80 billion worldwide and growing by 6-7% annually. Clinical experts are calling this platform a potential "game changer" in targeted cancer treatments. Beyond commercial returns, the business' mission is emphatically on keeping cancer care accessible and affordable for patients worldwide.

Required capital: € 1,000,000.

Organization
The business is led by an experienced team consisting of a biotech entrepreneur and three pharma industry specialists with expertise in oncology, drug delivery and product development. Together they bring over 100 years of experience in drug delivery, clinical trials, start-ups, scale-ups and international innovation management.

Method
The team has a worldwide exclusive license to the ChemoGell™ technology platform, developed by a pharmaceutical institute. This platform uses injectable hydrogels that can be administered as a liquid into tumors at room temperature. At body temperature, it "gels" into a soft-rubber deposit within seconds, releasing the incorporated drug directly into the tumor over days to weeks. This leads to concentrations in the tumor that are 100-150 times higher than via conventional chemotherapy, while the total drug load to the body is 20-100 times lower. Outside the tumor, hardly any side effects are measurable.

Achievements
Within two years, the team has developed the first products based on three known cancer drugs and one new drug. Animal studies have demonstrated efficacy against aggressive solid tumors such as pancreatic, liver, lung and colon cancer, as well as particular forms of breast, bladder and prostate cancer. The safety of the platform has been confirmed by outside experts. These localized therapies can also be combined with other treatments such as radiation, immunotherapy and surgery. Patents for the ChemoGell™ platform have now been granted in the US, China and Japan, with EU registration expected in 2025. All new intellectual property remains fully owned by the business.

Clinical prospects
Recently, a leading university medical center in the Netherlands conducted successful animal trials of its lead product against pancreatic cancer. The results were promising: inhibition and arrest of tumor growth, in one study even complete tumor regression, with 100% survival of the animals with no adverse side effects. Key Opinion Leaders from the Netherlands, Italy, Germany, Denmark and the US are now ready to start clinical trials as soon as approval for patient studies is granted (expected 2027).

Business model
The business follows a phased model: development, clinical testing and out-licensing. In the first years, the product is developed in-house up to the second clinical phase, after which partnerships are formed with specialized pharma businesses for the final steps towards commercial approval. Revenue is generated through upfront license payments, milestone payments and royalties. The business retains its own manufacturing, providing additional revenue and control over quality. The platform can serve multiple product-market combinations, as known off-patent drugs can be used in a variety of tumor diseases. Limited use of the technology by other drug developers is also possible, but this is an afterthought. Grants may contribute as non-dilutive cash, but are not a primary goal. Expected exit via acquisition or IPO is planned from years 6-7.

Strengths
The platform is distinguished by:

• Very high local drug concentrations in the tumor with longer release, for more effective treatment.
• Minimal side effects due to low total dosage and targeted administration.
• Safety, based on approved drugs and ingredients already used in the pharma industry.
• Multiple product-market combinations with off-patent drugs, broadly shielded by patents.
• Affordability and simple production, suitable for scale-up at specialized pharma manufacturing companies.

Investment Need
For the Seed B period (2 years to first patient studies), the budget needed is €3.5 million, divided between product development, animal studies, production scale-up, patents, technology and business management, and a runway reserve. The business seeks investors who:

• Be open-minded and have an affinity for keeping high-quality cancer care accessible.
• Be patient, given cycles in pharma development, with potentially high returns (up to 80% IRR/year).
• Network or be able to contribute knowledge for future funding rounds.

Financial Outlook
To date, €4 million has been invested by founders and early investors. The Seed B round includes tranches of €1.2 million and €2.3 million, which will initiate production scale-up and first clinical trials in the Netherlands and the EU. Total capital required over the next five years is estimated at €35-45 million, depending on success and ambition. Positive cash flows from partners start from year 4-5, with break-even around year 6 and a projected EBITDA of €560 million in year 10.