Medtech radiotherapy co. BetaGlue raises €18 million in financing,
What 6 things can medtech startups learn from this example?
Think in terms of what investors look for from an intro slide deck. Define each area clearly and have a tight focus:
1. Problem
Radiotherapy to solid tumours is a mainstay of cancer treatment. Problems include (i) targeting the tumour area while trying to limit damage to local healthy tissue, and (ii) where radioembolisation is used ensuring there are suitably accessible blood vessels which supply the affected organ and tumour (radioembolisation is a minimally invasive treatment using radioactive beads, delivered via blood vessels, to target liver cancers).
2. Solution
BetaGlue is developing a localised and targeted treatment for unresectable solid tumours, via its radiotherapy platform called YntraDose. This involves percutaneous delivery of a mixture of radioactive (Yttrium-90 (Y-90)) coated microspheres and a ‘bioglue’ hydrogel that rapidly sets holding the microspheres within the tumour. It’s performed under CT or ultrasound guidance, as an outpatient procedure and without a general anaesthetic.
Interestingly, Y-90 is a well validated and characterised radio-isotope through its use in radioembolisation of liver tumours. BetaGlue’s innovation is around the localised delivery approach and non-reliance on arterial blood supply. This enables multiple anatomical sites to be targeted beyond those in the liver.
3. Market
Initially BetaGlue is focused on liver and pancreatic cancer, with follow-on use in other organs, and combined with immuno-oncology drugs. The TAM for liver and pancreas alone is > €2 billion. (As a backdrop, the wider market for single dose radiotherapy is expected to reach $16 billion by 2033).
4. Traction
The liver program is in clinical phase I/II, pancreas is at pre-clinical stage. The company has also built a strong clinical advisory board and KOL network (essential for clinical adoption).
5. Team
The team includes expertise in life science startups and entrepreneurship, oncology, financial management and corporate finance, clinical trials, QA, manufacturing, product development, regulatory (including US FDA and EU MDR) and experience of private and listed companies. So, people who’ve been there and done it.
6. Financials
To date, BetaGlue has raised €33 million of equity and grant financing. This latest €18m round was €15.5 million equity and a €2.5 million grant.
Investors love this approach as the non-dilutive grant funding gives more ‘bang for your buck.’ It also points to external validation from multiple funding sources.
Your startup may be at an earlier stage than BetaGlue, but use these insights to help share your story and make your next raise.
Congratulations to Colin Story, CEO and team BetaGlue Therapeutics.
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