3 Philadelphia-area medical firms combine for more than $1M in funding

Three medical companies — a diagnostics business, an imaging company and another creating a treatment for head lice — were among nine businesses to receive a share of $1.8 million from Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Southeastern Pennsylvania (BFTP).

Topaz Pharmaceuticals, based inHorsham, received $500,000. The company is developing a topical cream that treats head lice and is in the midst ofPhase 3 clinical trials. The cream is made from ivermectin, which has been used to treat worm infestations as well as river blindness. BFTP previously invested $250,000.

Real Time Tomography, of Villanova, received $275,000. The company builds 2-D and 3-D imaging systems that can deliver clearer images faster than existing solutions and can also integrate easily into current systems.BFTP previously invested $150,000 in the company.

Molecular Detection, a Wayne-based company that recently raised $1.4 million, received $250,000. The company is raising up to $2.5 million to further develop its Detect-Ready technology, which currentlytests nasal samples forMRSA, a staph infection that has become resistant to the antibiotics typically used to treat such infections. BFTP previously invested $500,000 in the company.