Swedish biotech start-up raises €1.3m to develop new vaginal infection treatment

The Swedish start-up Gedea Biotech has raised €1.3m to develop the first antibiotic-free treatment for vaginal infections. 

Vaginal infections affect at least 300 million women worldwide, but with current treatments, the risk of recurrence is substantial as antimicrobial resistance also rapidly increases.

The pHyph vaginal tablet developed by Gedea, aims to treat bacterial vaginosis (BV) and prevent recurrence by promoting a healthy vaginal microbiome and restoring the vaginal pH to its normal level.

“We are delighted to have succeeded in raising more funds for our additional clinical documentation of pHyph and also to investigate its wider impact on the vaginal microbiome. We particularly welcome the engagement by the new shareholders,” said Annette Säfholm, CEO of Gedea Biotech.

“The commitment from new, experienced life science investors to support our journey validates the trust in our company and our plans for the further development of pHyph.”

According to Gedea, pHyph has shown a clinical cure rate for bacterial vaginosis on par with antibiotics on the market, with a superior safety profile and without causing secondary VVC infections as is the case with antibiotics.

The funds will be used for an ongoing proof-of-concept study for the treatment of vulvo vaginal candidiasis (VVC) with pHyph.

Additionally, the capital will help the start-up investigate how the vaginal microbiome changes during short- and long-term treatment with pHyph in patients with bacterial vaginosis and put together an additional clinical study for the treatment of bacterial vaginosis.

Ton Berkien, chairman of the board, said: “In the current, rather harsh climate for investments, it is quite an achievement to raise funds within life sciences, and I would like to express my thanks to both current and new investors and welcome them warmly to be part of the exciting Gedea journey.”