Investment roundup: women’s health innovation, closing gaps in maternal health care and more

Femtech World explores the latest investment developments in the world of women’s health.

SBRI Healthcare funding awarded to women’s health innovations

SBRI Healthcare has awarded £1.3m for the development of 14 innovations that support women’s health. Funded by the AAC, SBRI Healthcare ‘Competition 25: Women’s Health’ was launched in July 2024 as a Phase 1 development funding competition.

The projects will run for up to six months to demonstrate whether the innovations are technically and commercially feasible.

Under the overall theme of Women’s Health, innovations were sought that focused on gynaecological conditions and hormonal health, mental health, chronic conditions and long-term health.

The awarded projects include BirthGlide Limited, DDM Health Limited, ScreenIn3D Limited, Peripear Ltd, The Essential Baby Company, Neotherix Limited, Queen Mary University / Samphire Neuroscience, Lighthearted AI Health Limited, Signatur Biosciences Ltd, Holly Health, Unravel Health, Liberum Health, Signal Enhancement Diagnostics Limited and Spryt Ltd.

Cosette Pharmaceuticals announces acquisition of Mayne Pharma

Cosette Pharmaceuticals has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire all the outstanding shares of Mayne Pharma Group Limited.

Cosette Pharmaceuticals has stated that the acquisition adds patented, high-growth products to its portfolio and will help to expand its global reach, while both companies have said the move amplifies the shared mission to “improve lives through innovative and accessible Women’s health and dermatology medicines”.

US$12m to close gaps in maternal healthcare

Tech-enabled maternity clinic Millie has raised US$12m in Series A funding co-led by TMV and Foreground Capital, with significant participation from Pivotal Ventures and the March of Dimes Innovation Fund, two of the most prominent organizations advancing women’s health.

The company has said that this new funding round underscores the rapidly growing demand for patient-centered maternal healthcare that delivers better experiences and outcomes.

The capital will be used to expand Millie’s technology platform, offerings, and market footprint, with new clinics slated to open in 2025, starting with an upcoming launch in California in collaboration with Good Samaritan Hospital, part of HCA Healthcare.

US$50m to innovate Alzheimer’s care for women

Non-profit organisation Wellcome Leap has launched a research programme to improve Alzheimer’s care for women. The initiative is backed by US$50m.

According to Wellcome Leap, the programme – Cutting Alzheimer’s Risk through Endocrinology (CARE) – is designed to cut the lifetime risk of Alzheimer’s among women by half, preventing 54.5 million Alzheimer’s cases by 2050, and will focus on advances that increase access to treatments and reduce cost.

The programme will explore neuroendocrine risks and neurodegeneration to help identify personalised preventative strategies and treatments through the utilisation of biomarkers, advanced imaging, and genetic profiling.

Femtech startup Prickly Pear Health secures US$250,000

Digital health company focused on brain health during the menopausal transition, Prickly Pear Health, $250,000 in pre-seed funding.

The platform is leveraging AI to address hormonal fluctuations’ impact on brain health, particularly during the menopausal transition, and provide personalised insights and recommendations. Currently in closed beta, Prickly Pear is actively developing partnerships with healthcare providers and research institutions to expand its impact.

Imen Maaroufi Clark, founder and CEO of Prickly Pear Health, said: “Securing institutional backing this early in our journey validates both our mission and market opportunity. This investment accelerates our ability to address the critical gaps in menopausal health support, particularly around cognitive and neurological wellness.”

MUTU to help postpartum mums recover after childbirth

Evidence-based digital postnatal recovery platform MUTU has secured an NHS contract.

The programme will now be implemented in Medway Women’s Health Hub with funding from the Kent and Medway Women’s Health budget, allowing postpartum mothers in the region to access proven support, according to NHS Kent and Medway.

The contract follows the successful independent evaluation by Health Innovation Kent Surrey Sussex (Health Innovation KSS) and their evaluation partner, Unity Insights, which demonstrated MUTU’s effectiveness in addressing postpartum issues and the solution’s potential to be cost-effective. The evaluation provided the necessary evidence to support NHS adoption, setting a precedent for other healthcare regions.

The platform provides a digital-first, clinically validated solution, enabling women to receive essential care from the privacy of their homes.