AmacaThera, a developer of next-generation hydrogel-based drug delivery solutions, has been named Emerging Company of the Year by Life Sciences Ontario.
The award comes after AmacaThera’s $230m global licencing agreement with Pacira BioSciences, Inc. Through this partnership, AmacaThera is advancing AMT‑143, its investigational long‑acting, non‑opioid anaesthetic addressing a major unmet need for post‑operative pain management. AmacaThera and Pacira are preparing to initiate a phase 2 trial in 2026.
The company said it has demonstrated compatibility and proof-of-concept with a range of therapeutics from small molecules to biologics. AmacaThera is collaborating with pharmaceutical partners to explore further opportunities.
Mike Cooke, chief executive officer of AmacaThera, said: “We are honoured to receive this recognition from Life Sciences Ontario. It reflects the strength of our scientific innovation and the growing relevance of next-generation, hydrogel-based drug delivery solutions. As we evolve from an early‑stage biotech into a global innovator, I am proud of our multidisciplinary team whose expertise and dedication have been instrumental in our progress.”
Molly Shoichet, chief scientific officer of AmacaThera, said: “Our hydrogel‑based platform is highly adaptable and supports the development of safer, patient‑friendly therapies across a wide range of therapeutics. Our partnerships and this recognition from Life Sciences Ontario validate our products. With our mission to transform patient care, we look forward to translating our innovations into real‑world benefits for people worldwide.”
AmacaThera’s tunable hydrogel platform transforms from liquid to gel at body temperature, enabling precise, localised, and extended release of therapies across small molecules and biologics. The company said its technology is scalable, cost‑effective to manufacture, and designed to enhance therapeutic efficacy while improving patient experience and reducing systemic exposure.