Alpheus Medical Secures $52M for Innovative Glioblastoma Treatment

Alpheus Medical, Inc., a clinical-stage company based in Chanhassen, Minnesota, is making significant strides in the treatment of solid tumors through its innovative sonodynamic therapy (SDT). The company has successfully closed a $52 million Series B financing round, which exceeded expectations. This substantial investment aims to fund a Phase 2B randomized controlled trial (RCT) to evaluate the efficacy of SDT in patients diagnosed with glioblastoma (GBM), a notably aggressive form of brain cancer.

Prominent healthcare investors have shown strong support for this initiative. The funding round was co-led by HealthQuest Capital and Samsara BioCapital, with additional contributions from existing investors such as OrbiMed and Action Potential Venture Capital. Further participation came from venture investors committed to revolutionizing cancer care, including BrightEdge, the Brain Tumor Investment Fund, and the Sontag Innovation Fund.

According to Conrad Wang, M.D., a Partner at HealthQuest Capital, the complexity and widespread nature of glioblastomas have historically posed challenges to therapeutic advancement. However, Alpheus Medical's sonodynamic therapy offers a promising non-invasive technique for whole-brain treatment, showing encouraging early results. This investment underscores the commitment to advancing transformative technologies that address significant unmet needs in patient care.

Alpheus Medical's SDT platform employs a combination of low-intensity diffuse ultrasound (LIDU™) and oral 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA). This combination allows for targeted therapy that selectively destroys cancer cells throughout the brain hemisphere without harming healthy tissue. Significantly, this approach does not require imaging or sedation and can be administered in an outpatient setting. Early studies have indicated the potential of SDT therapy in treating both newly diagnosed and recurrent glioblastoma cases.

Dr. Vijay Agarwal, President and CEO of Alpheus Medical, emphasized that this investment represents a pivotal moment for both the company and the glioblastoma community. The financial support from investors provides an opportunity to generate critical evidence that could potentially establish a new standard of care for newly diagnosed brain tumors.

Alpheus Medical is committed to developing non-invasive treatments for solid tumors through its innovative sonodynamic therapy. The company's proprietary approach uses a sensitizing agent, 5-ALA, which accumulates selectively in tumor cells. By working in collaboration with global leaders in neuro-oncology and receiving support from healthcare investors and nonprofit organizations dedicated to cancer, Alpheus aims to pioneer advancements in cancer treatment.

HealthQuest Capital, a private asset firm, supports transformative healthcare companies that improve patient outcomes and healthcare delivery efficiency. With approximately $2 billion in assets under management, HealthQuest Capital focuses on fostering innovation across the healthcare spectrum, including medical technologies, diagnostics, and digital health.

Samsara BioCapital, established in 2017, is a leading biotech investment firm that seeks opportunities in both public and private markets. The firm invests across various stages, from early start-ups to late-stage clinical assets, with an emphasis on companies addressing high unmet medical needs. Samsara's team possesses extensive expertise in biotechnology and works closely with entrepreneurs and top management to drive meaningful progress in innovative therapeutics.