Global Funding
- Caraway, a digital healthcare firm focusing on Gen Z, has secured $16.75M in Series A funding. Caraway provides 24/7 mental, physical, and reproductive healthcare through an inclusive care model.
- New York-based Recharge Capital, a thematic-first private investment firm, has successfully closed the first tranche of its $200M Women’s Healthcare Investment Vehicle. This trace will serve to optimize thematic-based investments and set the stage for growth in the women’s healthcare industry.
FemTech News:
- Mentally & physically debilitating’ — PCOS on the rise in India, but new treatments bring women hope. Studies show about one in 10 women in India may be suffering from PCOS, which comes with a range of symptoms and risk factors. New treatments could improve outlook, doctors say.
- One in five women who underwent fertility treatment such as IVF to conceive their first child are likely to get pregnant naturally in the future, researchers have found. The research found that at least one in five women conceived naturally after having had a baby using fertility treatment such as IVF mostly within three years.
- There is no one-size-fits-all approach to mental health, as a growing number of women are turning to digital support tools. More and more mental health and well-being apps are popping up, as more awareness is prompting people to seek help.
- The rise of wearable technology presents an innovative and promising solution to transform the treatment and management of menopause symptoms. Wearable technology promises to empower women during this crucial life stage, offering personalised insights, real-time monitoring, and personalised interventions to enhance their well-being.
- The government is planning to develop a tool using AI and Machine Learning (ML) which is likely to help doctors across the country to create digital prescriptions instead of hand-written. Under the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM), the plan is worked upon to develop a tool using AI and Machine Learning (ML) which is likely to help doctors across the country to create digital prescriptions
Global Companies:
- Biotech company Concerto Biosciences has announced a new strategic initiative to combat recurrent vaginal yeast infections. The company is dedicated to developing a novel microbial product, specifically targeting vulvovaginal candidiasis. This prevalent condition affects approximately 75% of women at some point in their lives and poses significant challenges due to limited protection provided by existing antifungal treatments.
- Kindra, the US-based wellness brand specializing in menopause essentials, is expanding into the UK. Aiming to cater to the needs of 13 million women seeking hormone-free menopause solutions, the company’s products will be available online across the US.
Drugs, Diagnostics, and Pharma:
- Mumbai-based pharma major Glenmark announced its decision to slash the price of Trumab, its version of Trastuzumab, a drug used in the treatment of HER2-positive breast cancer, to Rs 15,749 per 440 mg vial — making it the most affordable brand of the drug in India.
- Lupin has received approval from the United States Food and Drug Administration (US FDA) for its Abbreviated New Drug Application for Tiotropium Bromide Inhalation Powder, 18 mcg/capsule, a generic equivalent of Spiriva HandiHaler (Tiotropium Bromide Inhalation Powder), 18 mcg/capsule of Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals. This product will be manufactured at Lupin’s Pithampur facility in India.
- Cancer care provider HealthCare Global Enterprises (HCG) is exploring a mix of organic and inorganic opportunities for growth and expansion in India. To tap the segment, the HCG team is conducting comprehensive market research to gain a better understanding of the Indian cancer market. Considering new cancer incidences, relapse of the disease, growing affordability and inflation in the country, the oncology market in India is expected to grow by 11-12 per cent to Rs 26,300 crore by 2024, per estimates.
FemTech India Partner Company News:
- Sowmya Puttaraju, Co-founder CSO at AprilCares launched a blog post series called “I.. She… Her.. Us”, which speaks about navigating the complex waters of women’s mental health.
- The Momly is hosting a workshop on “Empowering Moms: Mastering Money Matter” in the form of an expert-led session.
- HealthQRehab’s expert Dr Meghana Dave held an expert session on Cardio-Vascular Physiotherapy.
- Sirona was featured as one of the startups on Hystra’s report on analysing the Menstrual Health and Hygiene landscape. The report was supported by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
- Carina Kohli, founder- HummCare published a thought-ware on thoughtful ways to make the transition back to work smoother for new parents.
- OoWomaniya’s Lactation Consultation – Dr Nidhi Desai published a though-ware on “Understanding Mastitis Infection during breastfeeding”.
Research, Insights, and Market Projections :
- According to new CU Boulder research, cancer cells are smarter than scientists previously thought. When these cells are confronted with powerful new drugs known as CDK2 inhibitors, which are designed to prevent cancer from spreading, they can activate a workaround that allows them to survive the attack in as little as one to two hours.
- According to a new study presented at ENDO 2023, the Endocrine Society’s annual meeting in Chicago, Ill., breast cancer treatments known as aromatase inhibitors may reduce the effect of weight reduction therapies. The study found that weight loss medications are less effective in breast cancer survivors who are treated with aromatase inhibitors, compared with women without a history of breast cancer who are not taking aromatase inhibitors.
- According to a recent study, body mass index (BMI) is not a complete indicator of metabolic health, and a substantial proportion of U.S. people with normal BMI yet have obesity. The latest research highlights the importance of including what percentage of the body is fat, muscle, bone, and water, and how much fat is in the abdomen vs. the thighs to fully understand drivers for cardio-metabolic disease.
Government News:
- Lupin Human Welfare and Research Foundation (LHWRF), the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) arm of Lupin, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Government of Maharashtra to address the growing prevalence of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in the Palghar district of Maharashtra. The partnership aims to prioritise the diagnosis and treatment of these diseases while working to reduce their long-term prevalence.
- Boehringer Ingelheim India has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Public Health Department of the Government of Maharashtra. The partnership aims to enhance stroke care services in hospitals across the state through timely and quality care to patients, while further strengthening the stroke care infrastructure in the state.
- The Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur (IITK) has entered into a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with Laurus Labs to introduce gene therapy assets to the market.In accordance with the MOA, IIT Kanpur will transfer several gene therapy assets through in-licensing to Laurus Labs, which will provide a research grant to facilitate their progression through pre-clinical development. Laurus Labs will also fund the necessary clinical trials and spearhead the launch of these products not only in India but also in emerging markets.
Jobs on Board:
- iMumz is looking for a Human Resources Intern. iMumz is a platform for Indian pregnant women which provides actionable activities for mothers-to-be.
- Hera is looking for a Data Analyst. Hera is a platform which helps women navigate from menopause to menstruation in the simplest possible manner.
- Newmi Care is looking for an Area Sales Manager. Newmi is India’s first omnichannel platform on women’s health and wellness.
