The startup develops an insertable mechanical barrier device that protects the uterine cavity from adhesions, preventing the formation of recurrent intrauterine adhesions and reducing the risk of miscarriage. This device dissolves naturally after use, eliminating the need for healthcare intervention and promoting improved fertility outcomes.
Funding
$7.6M 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.
EAFounders
Product
Problem
Intrauterine adhesions (IUAs), or Asherman's Syndrome, are a major long-term complication of operative hysteroscopy and dilation and curettage procedures, leading to fibrous scarring within the uterine cavity. These adhesions can cause menstrual disorders, infertility, and obstetrical complications, with recurrence rates between 42% and 60% after surgical removal, requiring multiple interventions for women trying to conceive. Current adhesion barrier products are inadequate for intrauterine use, leaving the uterus unprotected after transcervical procedures.
Solution
Womed develops Womed Leaf, a mechanical barrier film designed to prevent or reduce the formation of new or recurrent IUAs following transcervical procedures. Inserted through the cervix like an IUD, the film self-deploys upon contact with uterine fluids, expanding to shield the entire uterine cavity for one week, the critical period for adhesion formation. After one week, the film breaks up, dissolves, and is naturally discharged without requiring healthcare professional intervention. By keeping the uterine walls separated during the healing phase, Womed Leaf reduces the likelihood of adhesion recurrence and improves fertility outcomes.
Target Audience
The primary target audience includes gynecological surgeons performing hysteroscopic procedures, fertility specialists, and women undergoing transcervical procedures such as myomectomies, polypectomies, and dilation and curettage.
Features
- Mechanical barrier film that self-deploys to separate uterine walls post-surgery
- Constructed from biocompatible poly(D,L-lactide) acid (PLA) and poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO)
- Provides full cavity protection, filling the entire uterine cavity
- Long-lasting effect, acting as a barrier for one week during the critical healing phase
- Rapid insertion through the cervix, similar to IUD placement, taking less than one minute
- Natural discharge after one week, eliminating the need for follow-up procedures
- Demonstrated safety and efficacy in preclinical and clinical studies, including the PREG1 and PREG2 clinical trials
- Shown to significantly reduce the likelihood of complete IUA formation compared to hyaluronic acid (HA) gel