Indian Funding:
- Uttar Pradesh-based Regency Hospitals Ltd, which counts investors such as the International Finance Corporation among its backers, is planning to raise fresh funding after a gap of over seven years.
Global Funding:
- Pumpspotting announced a $2.2M Series Seed II funding round. Led by Sincere Corporation and Maine Venture Fund, the investment round also saw participation from Unum Business Ventures and Maine Technology Institute.
- San-Francisco based Miri announced the closing of a pre-seed funding round, securing $1.2M. This financial milestone, led by Sassafras Investments, will help accelerate the development and public launch of Miri’s AI health and wellness platform.
- Jude the UK-based bladder care company, raised a $4.24M seed round led by Eka VC, Joyance, Samos VC, and with grant funding from Innovate UK.
Global News:
- P&G’s Clearblue is venturing into a new arena — menopause — with the launch of its Menopause Stage Indicator. This new product aims to address the significant gap in information and resources available to women approaching or experiencing menopause.
- Thermo Fisher Scientific has launched two next-generation sequencing-based assays aimed at accelerating research in fertility and reproductive health.
- Syracuse University’s Forensic Science Institute and Leda Health have partnered to explore the feasibility of early evidence sexual assault kits. Aimed at providing survivors with the ability to collect evidence privately, this collaboration hopes to bring justice closer to reach for those affected by sexual violence.
- Daye, a female-founded gynecological health startup has now received approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a medical device for its Daye’s Nude Tampon.
FemTech News:
- One of a recent study reported the frequent neglect of women’s health issues. While the global focus on gender equality has been gaining momentum, the health of women and girls often remains overlooked. For instance, at least 367 million children worldwide lack sanitation services in their schools, posing significant barriers to good menstrual health.
- A new study showed that almost 1 in 3 men over the age of 15 are infected with at least one genital human papillomavirus (HPV) type, and 1 in 5 are infected with one or more of what are known as high risk, or oncogenic, HPV types. These estimates show that men frequently harbour genital HPV infections and emphasize the importance of incorporating men in efforts to control HPV infection and reduce the incidence of HPV related disease in both men and women.
- The Irish government has announced the expansion of its free contraception scheme to include women aged 27-30. The free contraception scheme is open to women, girls and other people identifying as transgender or non-binary who are ordinarily resident in Ireland and for whom prescription contraception is deemed suitable by their doctors.
- A DNA test for HPV infections could broaden access to cervical cancer screening, scientists have found. Researchers have shown that a low-cost, point-of-care DNA test for HPV could make cervical cancer screening more accessible in low and middle-income countries, where 90 per cent of deaths from cervical cancer occur.
- When it comes to healthcare, considering sustainability can often drop down the list of priorities. With strict regulations and testing requirements, Femtech companies are prioritising sustainability in the design of female health products
- Women experiencing poor mental health may be at a 50 per cent greater risk of giving birth preterm, researchers have found. The study found that one in 10 who had used mental health services before their pregnancy had a preterm birth. This was compared to one in 15 in those who had not.
- Virtual assistants and chatbots have the potential to become personalized healthcare companions, providing patients with immediate access to information and guidance. Through interactive conversations, these AI-powered tools can answer questions, offer medication reminders, and provide essential health education.
FemTech India Partner Company News:
- On the occasion of World Sexual Health Day, Allo Health distributed free condoms to everyone who walked into their clinics in Bengaluru, Gurugram, Delhi, and Mysore.
- Sirona Health, in association with Cambridge School Noida is promoting awareness about adolescence, menstrual health and hygiene by conducting inclusive and co-educational sessions.
- PeeSafe distributed free Toilet Seat Sanitizers at Jaipur’s Sanganer Airport.
- HempStreet’s team of Dr. Pooja Kohli and Dr. Naresh Garg published a research paper in the International Journal of Research and Analytical Reviews on the benefits of Bhilwadi Churn.
- RocketHealth partnered with 10Kdesigners Community to offer special therapy for their cohorts.
- Archish IVF presented its Founder’s Note series which shared the personal journey of the founder and the passionate vision to build a name in the world of fertility.
Drugs, Diagnostics, and Pharma:
- Apollo Hospitals announced an expanded partnership with Google Cloud to put healthcare in the hands of every Indian with Apollo’s digital platform, Apollo 24|7. Built entirely on Google Cloud, Apollo 24|7 aims to deliver an omnichannel healthcare experience.
- Zenas BioPharma, announced that it has entered into a license and collaboration agreement with Bristol Myers Squibb Company to develop and commercialize obexelimab for autoimmune diseases in Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Singapore, Hong Kong and Australia.
- Lupin Limited (Lupin) forged a collaboration with Mark Cuban Cost Plus Drug Company, and the COPD Foundation, dedicated to enhancing the lives of COPD patients. This collaboration aims to bolster access to healthcare by expanding the availability of tiotropium bromide inhalation powder, 18 mcg/capsule, to COPD patients in the US.
- P&G is planning to make big ticket investments worth Rs. 2,000 crore in its premium psyllium husk based laxative drug product and Rs. 200 crore in its Vicks range of products as part of its business expansion domestically and in exports markets globally in Gujarat.
Government News:
- The Ministry of Ayush has clarified that the Ayurveda, Siddha and Unani (ASU) manufacturing facilities can be utilised for manufacturing of food products licensed under the Food Safety & Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), subject to certain conditions.
- TPNODL organised more than 1050 numbers of health camps and treatment and free medicines provided to 96000 patients. All together 136000 numbers of rural people have been benefited out of this programme. TPNODL always believes and works towards overall development of the lives of rural people and the society as a whole under manifold of CSR activities.
Research, Insights, and Market Projections:
- The World Health Organization (WHO) is releasing an operational handbook on tuberculosis (TB) infection prevention and control, providing practical advice to complement its evidence-based guidelines.
- Researchers from Trinity College Dublin have discovered some new and surprising ways that viral RNA and influenza virus are detected by human lung cells, which has potential implications for treating people affected by such viruses.
- Ophthalmologists raised a red flag on a pressing concern that has the potential to impede corneal transplantations in India. A shortage of available donor eyes, crucial for successful transplant procedures, has emerged as a challenge casting a shadow over the landscape of ocular healthcare.
- The Accelerated Capability Environment (ACE) supported the NHS AI Lab to develop a proof of concept (PoC) which could help identify patients at risk of unnecessary long hospital stays and the associated negative outcomes. This would allow clinicians to try and avoid this by adjusting treatment plans.
Jobs on Board:
- Allo Health is looking for a Product Operations – Intern. Allo Health is India’s first digital health clinic for sexual well-being.
- Rocket Health is looking for a psychologist. Rocket Health is mental health and wellness platform which is building healthcare experience for young India.
