Ascelia Pharma

Ascelia Pharma is a publicly traded biotech company dedicated to improving the lives of people with rare oncology-related conditions by identifying, developing, and commercializing novel drugs. The company's most advanced asset, Orviglance, has successfully completed a pivotal Phase 3 study and its New Drug Application (NDA) has been accepted for review by the FDA, representing a significant regulatory milestone. With a second candidate, Oncoral, advancing in clinical development and a clear focus on orphan oncology, Ascelia aims to address significant unmet medical needs in areas like liver metastases and gastric cancer.

Development of novel drug formulations for orphan oncology, including a manganese-based oral MRI contrast agent and an oral tablet formulation of the chemotherapy irinotecan.

Total raised: $65M

Orviglance's main competitors are gadolinium-based contrast agents (GBCAs), which are contraindicated for its target patient population, and unenhanced MRI, which is less effective. It is positioned as a first-in-class solution. Oncoral competes with intravenous irinotecan and other chemotherapies, differentiating through its oral formulation and potential safety benefits.