Life Sciences Ontario has awared Emerging Company of the Year to AmacaThera, a Toronto-based developer of next-generation hydrogel-based drug delivery solutions.
The award highlights AmacaThera’s evolution from an early-stage biotech to a global innovator, reflecting recognition from the broader life sciences community of its scientific excellence, innovative hydrogel technology and growing influence within the sector.
The Life Sciences Ontario Annual Awards celebrate outstanding achievements within Ontario’s life sciences sector, honoring organistions that are leading the way in patient-centred, next-generation innovation.
The official awards ceremony for this year will take place on May 13, 2026, at the Automotive Building in Exhibition Place, Toronto.
The recognition comes during a year of significant momentum for AmacaThera, following its exclusive $230m global licensing agreement with Pacira BioSciences.
Through the 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 have stated that they are preparing to initiate a Phase II trial in 2026.
The award also underscores the excitement surrounding AmacaThera’s core platform technology, which has been validated across various therapeutic modalities.
The company's proprietary 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 technology is scalable, cost‑effective to manufacture and designed to enhance therapeutic efficacy while improving patient experience and reducing systemic exposure, positioning the company as a leader in drug delivery.
Mike Cooke, CEO 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, added: "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."