Knowing When to Pivot Without Starting Over: Interview with ABK Biomedical CEO Michael Mangano

ABK Biomedical’s Eye90 radioembolization device represents a significant advancement in treating unresectable liver cancer by integrating radiopaque microspheres that allow for real-time, patient-specific dosing and immediate verification of treatment delivery. CEO Michael Mangano details the company’s strategic pivot from early-stage R&D to a focused, vertically integrated model that controls manufacturing and delivery to overcome the inherent complexities of radiopharmaceuticals. By maintaining a "player-coach" culture, the leadership team remains directly involved in clinical trials, ensuring high-quality site interactions and rapid iteration of delivery devices. This operational discipline, coupled with a selective fundraising strategy that prioritizes long-term partners over immediate capital, provides a robust framework for navigating the regulatory and clinical hurdles of the medtech industry. This approach transforms the traditional, often stagnant, radioembolization market into a dynamic space driven by precision oncology and enhanced physician control.