Issue #78 India, women’s health lags behind men’s.

Happy FemTech Friday, 

As I’m typing this with my back screaming at me (no back support, ugh), this is my second attempt to join the 5am club. I love starting my day with a workout, soaking in the morning sun, and eating all my meals on time. Fingers crossed I can stick with this routine this time around! 🤞✨

And hey, if you’re on the same journey to build new habits, let’s link up and be each other’s accountability partners! Hit me up friend ! 

GOQii’s India Fit Report 2024, shedding light on a concerning health trend for women.

• 45% of India’s population is dangerously close to being classified as unhealthy.
• In 2023, 59% of women were categorized as unhealthy, compared to 40% of men.
• 16% of women fell into the obese category.
• Stress levels among women rose sharply from 25% in 2021 to 35% in 2023.
• Diabetes, High Cholesterol, High Blood Pressure, and Thyroid are the four most common problems among women in India . 
• Over the last 3 years, the prevalence of lifestyle illnesses has remained consistent.

So, these numbers basically show how India’s facing some major health issues, especially for women. Testing for diseases that kill millions of women every year remains low. Additionally, more women are feeling sad, angry, and worried now than they were three years ago. It’s a call to action. 

At FemTech India, we have conducted two of the largest and first-ever research projects focused on the Indian market. These studies can assist companies in developing better products for targeted consumers and provide valuable insights for companies seeking to enter the Indian market. Here are some key insights from the IVF & fertility landscape report. 

If you’re building something interesting, write to me.

Your friend, 

Navneet

• SIS Limited (SIS), a market leader in security, facility management, and cash logistics, announces its investment of Rs. 10.16 crore in Age Care Labs – an elder care platform operating under brands Emoha Elder Care and Epoch Elder Care, acquiring approximately 4% shareholding in the platform.
• Butterfly Learnings, a platform in paediatric behavioural and developmental health, has raised Rs 32 crore in its Series A round ed by Insitor Impact Asia Fund II and Enzia Ventures, with participation from  CIIE (IIMA Ventures), Foundation Botnar, 9 Unicorns, and Venture Catalysts. 
• Healthcare startup PlatinumRx has raised $800,000 in a seed round from India Quotient, along with participation from several prominent angel investors.PlatinumRx plans to utilize the funds to augment its warehousing and distribution network, enhancing its presence across the country and increasing its product offerings, the company said in a press release.

• The venture capital firm KIDRON Capital Assets has announced the successful first close of its fund dedicated to women’s health.  KIDRON aims to generate returns for its investors by capitalising on the extensive, yet often overlooked, opportunities within women’s health.
• Huddle Up, a Denver, CO-based pediatric digital health company, raised an undisclosed amount in Series C funding. The round was led by Kayne Anderson Growth Capital, with participation from existing investors New Capital Partners, LRV Health, HealthX Ventures and OSF Ventures.
• Elucent Medical, an Eden Prairie, MN-based medical technology company working in the field of surgical navigation through in-site spatial intelligence (iSI), raised $42.5M in Series C funding.
• TORL BioTherapeutics, a Los Angeles, CA-based clinical-stage biotechnology company, raised $158M in Series B-2 funding.The round, which brought the total amount to $350M, was led by Deep Track Capital, with participation from RA Capital Management, Perceptive Advisors, and Avidity Partners

• Isha Ambani Piramal launched, “Being Breast-Aware: What Every Woman Must Know,” a book written by Dr. Vijay Haribhakti, Chair, Onco Sciences, Sir HN Reliance Foundation Hospital, in an effort to raise awareness about breast health.
• India is now ‘cancer capital’ of the world; why cases rise alarmingly. Around 15.7 lakh people in India to have cancer by 2025. Almost 14 lakh people in India had cancer in 2020, the number is expected to rise to 15.7 lakh by 2025.
• Researchers have shed light on the efficacy of cancer drugs that have been granted accelerated approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This accelerated approval program was initially designed to provide early access to promising drugs for patients in need.
• A recent study has revealed that young adults who work atypical hours may face adverse effects on their physical and mental health by the time they reach the age of 50. The research, shedd light on the potential health implications of non-traditional work schedules.
• Understanding the connection between diet, brain health and genetics: The role of a balanced diet in enhancing cognitive abilities. Our palates develop uniquely, shaped by genetics, culture and personal experiences.
• In a Rapid Communication issued, the World Health Organization (WHO) is announcing updates on co-administration of treatment for drug-resistant tuberculosis and hepatitis C (HCV). The evidence suggests that concomitant treatment for HCV and multi-drug resistant or rifampicin resistant TB (MDR/RR-TB) is feasible, with potential benefits outweighing the harms.
• Experts have raised concerns over the use of AI in sexual and reproductive health after the World Health Organisation stepped in to address the risks and opportunities of the rapidly advancing technology.
• A new study has revealed the significant productivity loss due to polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a condition that affects one in every 10 women across the world.
• The research, published by the US virtual care platform Allara Health, investigated the impact of PCOS on workplace productivity and offered insights into how the hormonal disorder affects women’s professional lives.
• Patient Academy for Innovation and Research (PAIR) with support from Bayer kicked off the final edition of the EndoRun in which is a mass awareness initiative that brought together patients and their families, healthcare providers, researchers, and advocates to spotlight the cause of endometriosis.
• In a landmark move, the National Health Service (NHS) has named Dr. Sue Mann as its inaugural national clinical director for women’s health. Dr. Mann, a consultant renowned for her work in women’s health in City and Hackney, North East London

• Proactive For Her Expands Clinic Locations and Adds Fertility Services
• Sirona Hygiene’s holding entity – The Good Glamm Group has announced a joint venture with Tennis superstar Serena Williams.
• Hempstreet is now entering into trials for its product Femme, the world’s first clinically tested, and sustainable alternative for managing menstrual cramps.
• HummCare published a thoughtware on Strategies for organisations to foster mental well-being.
• FemVed published an infographic on “How to maximize IVF Fertility Outcome”

• The Toronto-based start-up MOLLI Surgical has launched a minimally invasive surgical tool to improve outcomes for breast cancer patients. OncoPen aims to eliminate the need for wires, providing increased scheduling flexibility for surgeons and a better patient experience.
• Bayer and Google Cloud announced a collaboration on the development of artificial intelligence (AI) solutions to support radiologists and ultimately better serve patients
• Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories Ltd. announced the launch of the drug-free non-invasive migraine management wearable device Nerivio in Germany through its step-down subsidiary betapharm.
• Staff at the Nottingham and Nottinghamshire local maternity and neonatal system will now be able to use CardMedic, a digital app aimed at supporting staff caring for patients where there is a language barrier

• The Indian Institute of Science (IISc) has now tracked the virus behind India’s lumpy skin cattle crisis. The research insights pave the way for improved diagnostics and vaccines in veterinary healthcare.
• Centre for Trade and Investment Law (CTIL), Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT) established by Union ministry of commerce and industry in collaboration with Centre for Justice, Law and Society (CJLS) at Jindal Global Law School (JGLS), organized the International Symposium on Health Governance in a Political Landscape: Interplay of Health Law, Society and Political Economy.

• Insulted and Angry? Japanese tradition inspires innovative anger management technique: Writing down your feelings on paper then getting rid of it reduces anger
• AI-powered BeatProfiler revolutionises heart research: A breakthrough in heart cell function analysis and drug testing

• ChatGPT’s accuracy affected by evidence-inclusive health queries, study shows: ChatGPT’s accuracy dips when presented with evidence-based health questions
• Potential risks and benefits of taking a weight-loss drug like Ozempic

See you next Friday, friends 👋
Navneet

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