Founded in 2016 as an undergraduate design group, Kubanda Cryotherapy was first established to improve access to breast cancer diagnostics and treatments in low-income countries. Three years later, with guidance from JHTV, Johns Hopkins University Whiting School of Engineering graduates Bailey Surtees and Clarisse Hu showcased their adaptability by evolving their startup to tackle a new challenge: delivering point-of-care, minimally invasive tumor treatments for pets.
Kubanda’s patented device allows veterinarians to freeze and eliminate cancerous masses in a single outpatient session, significantly reducing costs and improving outcomes for pet owners. A staple in human medicine for managing various conditions, including pain and arthritis, cryotherapy is the practice of using extreme cold to eliminate damaged tissue. Kubanda Cryotherapy adapted this technology for veterinary use, employing “CryoNeedles” to treat both benign and malignant masses without the need for anesthesia.
By putting carbon dioxide under pressure to drop the temperature to minus 79 degrees Celsius, Kubanda’s innovative approach reduces the cost and complexity of treatments while ensuring minimal discomfort for pets. Their work sets a new standard for veterinary oncology worldwide, showcasing the potential for advanced medical technologies to improve animal health. Veterinarians charge about $500 per procedure using Kubanda Cryotherapy’s device, roughly half the cost of traditional surgery, though both methods require similar evaluations, including biopsies and imaging.
Throughout their tenure at Johns Hopkins, Kubanda’s journey was marked with success, including winning the inaugural 2019 Bisciotti Foundation Prize for Student Entrepreneurship, receiving $30,000 in nondilutive funding to help grow their business, and winning the 2023 Innovation and Entrepreneurship Challenge.
After graduating and continuing to grow their business, Kubanda Cryotherapy officially became a JHTV startup in 2024. Currently, they continue to collaborate with Johns Hopkins on more trials to demonstrate efficacy across various types of cancers and animal species, including horses, and eventually, humans.
Kubanda’s work has been praised not only in the local Baltimore community, with media coverage in outlets like The Baltimore Banner but also by one of the company’s co-founders, Hu, who was listed in Forbes’ 30 under 30 list.
Kubanda Milestones
- April 2019: Awarded the Bisciotti Student Prize, recognizing their innovative approach to cancer treatment.
- July 2019: Highlighted for its potential to expand access to lifesaving breast cancer treatments.
- August 2019: Featured for advancements in breast cancer cryotherapy, showcasing their commitment to improving global health.
- August 2023: Among the winners of the 2023 Innovation and Entrepreneurship Challenge, cementing their reputation as a leader in veterinary oncology.
- October 2024: Supported by Johns Hopkins Technology Ventures, accelerating their innovation and impact in the field.
- December 2024: Clarisse Hu recognized with a Forbes award for her contributions to Kubanda Cryotherapy’s success.
- January 2025: Featured in a comprehensive Baltimore Banner article for groundbreaking work in treating cancer in pets, underscoring significant achievements and future potential.