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Theramir Secures €525,000 To Propel Cancer Therapy To Clinical Phase

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

July 23, 2024

In a significant boost to its pioneering cancer treatment research, Theramir has successfully raised €525,000 in a bridge funding round. This capital injection is poised to support the company’s operations through the latter half of 2025, targeting a critical milestone: the initiation of clinical trials for their innovative therapy, EVmiR.

EVmiR, now patented by the European Patent Office, represents a novel approach in cancer treatment. By utilising extracellular vesicles (EVs) to deliver microRNAs (miRNAs) directly into tumours, Theramir aims to target oncoproteins—key regulators of cancer cell growth. This precision method promises fewer side effects compared to traditional treatments such as chemotherapy. The company’s technology has demonstrated efficacy in treating metastatic breast cancer and is now being tested for pancreatic and bladder cancers.

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Theramir, co-founded by Marianna Prokopi-Demetriades and Costas Pitsillides in 2016, emerged from a passionate pursuit to find a cure for cancer. Their unique technology capitalises on EVs’ natural ability to transport biological information, essentially turning them into couriers that deliver tumour-suppressive messages via miRNAs. This method requires a detailed genetic profile of the patient to enhance the therapy’s precision and effectiveness, potentially offering prophylactic benefits by identifying genetic markers linked to high-risk conditions.

The latest funding round saw participation from notable investors, including Yannos Palate, a former executive at Eli Lilly, who will join Theramir’s advisory board. His extensive experience in life sciences and pharmaceutical engagement is expected to be instrumental in forging strategic partnerships with major pharmaceutical companies. Other investors include Nicosia-based family office Exerte Partners and finance and corporate lawyer Nancy Erotocritou.

Despite the challenges posed by the limited local life-sciences ecosystem in Cyprus, Theramir has managed to attract significant investor interest, raising €2.5 million in total, including €300,000 in grants. The company’s innovative approach and lower research costs compared to major biotech hubs like Boston or London have contributed to its success.

Looking ahead, Theramir is actively seeking a licensing deal with a major pharmaceutical firm to support the clinical trials, which could span up to seven years. The co-founders are optimistic about expediting the timeline through process efficiencies, projecting a market-ready therapy by 2030. In the interim, they are also exploring new revenue streams, such as using EVmiR to treat chronic malignant wounds through a project named MIRACULOUS, which has secured additional funding.

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FinTech’s Dominance In MENA: Three Strategic Drivers Behind Unyielding VC Success

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

September 11, 2025

Despite facing tightening global liquidity and macroeconomic headwinds, the FinTech sector continues to assert its leadership in the MENA region. In the first half of 2025, FinTech emerged as the most resilient and appealing arena for venture capital investments, proving its worth as a catalyst for financial innovation and inclusion.

Addressing Structural Financial Gaps

In many parts of MENA, a significant proportion of the population remains underbanked and underserved by traditional financial institutions. FinTech companies are uniquely positioned to address these persistent challenges by bridging critical access gaps and driving financial inclusion. With the proliferation of payment apps, digital wallets, and micro-lending platforms, investors have witnessed firsthand how these solutions pave the way for scalable growth and eventual exits. Early-stage momentum in the region is underscored by a doubling of pre-seed deals year-over-year, reinforcing the sector’s capacity for rapid innovation and sustainable expansion.

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Highly Scalable and Replicable Business Models

One of the key factors behind FinTech’s dominance is the inherent scalability of its business models. Once the necessary infrastructure and regulatory approvals are in place, these models have demonstrated robust performance across borders. The first half of 2025 saw a marked acceleration in deal activity, with payment solutions leading the charge with 28 deals in MENA—a significant increase over the previous year. Lending platforms, in particular, experienced a meteoric 500% year-over-year increase in funding, emerging as the fastest-growing subindustry. Such replicability makes FinTech an attractive proposition for investors seeking high-growth opportunities in diverse markets.

Supportive Regulatory And Government Backing

The strategic support offered by key government initiatives in the UAE and Saudi Arabia has been instrumental in propelling the FinTech sector forward. Progressive frameworks, such as the UAE’s open finance and digital asset directives, coupled with Saudi Arabia’s live-testing sandboxes, have materially lowered entry barriers for startups. These measures not only foster innovation but also streamline the path to commercialization. Consequently, the combined efforts of these regulatory bodies have enabled the UAE and Saudi Arabia to account for 86% of MENA’s total FinTech funding in H1 2025.

The resilience of FinTech in MENA is not merely a reflection of contemporary market trends—it signals a fundamental shift in the region’s economic fabric. With an unwavering commitment to addressing real financial challenges, scalable and replicable business practices, and robust regulatory support, FinTech is setting the benchmark for sustainable innovation. As capital markets become increasingly discerning, this sector stands out as a beacon of long-term growth and transformative impact.