EMBioSys: a Novel Therapeutic for Triple Negative Breast Cancer
EMBioSys was born by a team of 5 Co-Founders in 2022, after compelling in-vivo study data confirmed that a new, novel therapeutic technology was ready for commercialization. The novel treatment centered around the development of iEF (induced electric field) therapy, invented by EMBioSys Co-Founder & CSO Vish Subramaniam. The remaining three Co-Founders continue ongoing iEF research at Ohio State University, to support future indications of use, other types of cancer, and more. Thanks to the advent of iEF along with compelling study data, EMBioSys has developed a non-pharmacological therapeutic treatment for triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). But why iEF, and why TNBC?
Treating triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is challenging due to its aggressive nature, tendency to spread early, and high risk of recurrence. It has just a 12% five year survival rate, with the disease accounting for a staggering 40% of all cancer-related moralities. Complexly, TNBC isn't a single disease — it’s a group of cancers with different molecular characteristics. This heterogeneity makes it harder to find a "one-size-fits-all" treatment and complicates clinical trial designs. More specifically, the lack of specific molecular targets–which are commonly targeted in other breast cancer types–makes treatment more difficult. Since targeted therapies are not effective, aggressive chemotherapy remains the main systemic treatment, which can lead to severe side effects; and what's more is, the disease can develop resistance to these treatments.
This is where iEF Therapy represents a compelling and altogether novel treatment approach for TNBC. iEF Therapy works both at the cellular level (targeting only cancer cells), as well as at the tissue, organ, and organism levels. This provides a number of improvements, including: the hindrance of metastasis, reduction in tumor volume & weight, improved efficacy of any ongoing chemotherapy, improved host immune response, selective targeting of cancer-only cells (as opposed to also targeting healthy tissue along with diseased tissue), and all with no adverse side effects. EMBioSys offers iEF therapy in an attractive and easy-to-use form factor, by way of a wearable, electrode-free garment that delivers iEF Therapy non-invasively from the comfort of home (or on-the-go!)
So how exactly does the garment work? The EMBioSys design features a therapy coil embedded into the garment’s fabric via multi-use, washable thread. This is partnered with a lightweight, low-profile removable battery pack & electronics to drive the iEF therapy coil. The therapy works using a 4-pronged approach:
iEFs alter the cancer cell’s cytoskeleton making it unable to move
iEFs metabolically deprives cells of much-needed energy to move and proliferate
iEFs reverse epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) preventing detachment
iEFs enhance immune response by attracting anti-tumor immune cells and dissuading pro-tumor immune cells both at primary and metastatic sites
In short, backed by over a decade of research, iEF Therapy has demonstrated significant therapeutic treatment effects and represents a much-needed solution for a critical unmet need for TNBC patients.
How EMBioSys and NEMIC Have Partnered
In 2024, EMBioSys partnered with NEMIC through shared connections within the Rhode Island small business & service provider ecosystem. Deploying our unique gap-analysis approach, and driven through our extensive network of subject matter experts, NEMIC worked with EMBioSys on key areas such as gap assessment, deck development, business advisory, and fundraising strategy. We also completed a number of reviews and activities around pitch practice and fundraising readiness. To date, EMBioSys has raised $600,000 USD in non-dilutive funding, and is seeking a $2.5M Seed Round, as the company continues to hit development milestones. Use of funds includes areas such as system development, manufacturing, clinical study, and unit production.
