The startup develops a therapeutic non-drug device that targets fungal and bacterial vaginosis through localized treatment methods, providing a safe alternative to systemic medications. This approach enables women to effectively manage yeast and bacterial infections without the side effects associated with oral and topical drugs.
Funding
$380K raised to dateRaised to date based on public sources. This may differ from the amount the company actually raised and is based only on what is publicly available on the internet.
Founders
Product
Problem
Many women experience recurrent fungal and bacterial vaginal infections, which can be painful and uncomfortable, and current treatments often rely on systemic drugs that may have undesirable side effects or be ineffective for certain patients. The overuse of antifungals and antibiotics can also lead to the development of drug-resistant strains, further complicating treatment.
Solution
Cern Corporation is developing the Cern Device™, a non-drug, localized treatment for both fungal and bacterial vaginosis that utilizes microbicidal light to render pathogens inert. The device is designed for at-home use and aims to control infections while maintaining appropriate levels of key native bacteria and yeast essential for a healthy microbiome. The Cern Device™ is intended to provide an alternative for women who may be immunocompromised, pregnant, or prefer to avoid systemic drugs, and it may also help prevent sexually transmitted diseases. The device is currently undergoing human clinical trials and is not yet FDA cleared.
Target Audience
The primary target audience includes women experiencing recurrent yeast and bacterial vaginal infections, particularly those who are immunocompromised, pregnant, or prefer to avoid traditional drug-based treatments.
Features
- Employs low-level microbicidal light in the visible spectrum to disrupt pathogen reproduction at the DNA level
- Designed to selectively target susceptible yeast and bacterial strains while maintaining beneficial bacteria like Lactobacillus
- Aims to restore balance to the vaginal microbiome, shifting from dysbiosis to symbiosis
- Intended for convenient, at-home use based on recurrent symptoms
- May be used prophylactically to help avoid issues associated with bacterial vaginosis and pregnancy
- Designed to be compatible with other medications and avoid negative drug interactions