Start-up raises US$25m to develop treatment for PCOS-related infertility

The medical device start-up May Health has raised US$25m in funding to develop an “innovative” treatment to restore ovulation in women with PCOS.

PCOS is one of the most common causes of female infertility, affecting 10 per cent of women globally.

In women with PCOS, there is a local disregulation of androgens as compared to oestrogens in the ovary, leading to inconsistent ovulation.

The condition is also associated with increased insulin resistance, Type 2 diabetes, heart disease and stroke.

May Health’s investigational treatment works by lowering androgen production, which can restore ovulation.

The one-time in-office procedure aims to induce ovulation through targeted ablation of ovarian tissue using radiofrequency energy.

The financing round, co-led by Bpifrance and Trill Impact, is hoped to advance the company’s therapy through a clinical study which will evaluate the treatment’s potential to address PCOS-related infertility.

“This financing allows May Health to continue delivering upon our mission to become a leader in global women’s health and transform treatment for patients with PCOS,” Anne Morrissey, CEO of May Health, told Femtech World.

“We are very grateful to each of the investors who have continued to support us on our journey to offer more for women living with PCOS, an area of medicine that has been underserved with few treatment options.

“There has been a severe unmet need for more accessible options, and this new funding will allow us to continue to advance our US pivotal study to investigate the potential of Ovarian Rebalancing in women with infertility caused by PCOS.”

She added: “We’re committed to bringing a modern approach to the millions of women looking for alternative options to achieve pregnancy in a more natural manner.”

Dr Robert Auerbach, OB/GYN and chairman of the May Health board, said: “For years, women with PCOS who struggle with infertility have sought alternative treatment options that go beyond IVF and laparoscopic ovarian drilling.

“Our team is working to develop a simple and safe procedure that can activate natural ovulation and help women regain their ability to grow their families.

“We’re thankful to our investment partners for their support and look forward to further research of Ovarian Balancing in the REBALANCE Study.”

Nina Rawal, co-head and partner at Trill Impact Ventures, shared: “We see May Health as a great example of a company where commercial opportunity and impact go hand in hand.

“Trill Impact is excited to collaborate with the May Health team and its strong shareholders to bring their innovative product to women who have suffered from a lack of treatment options for too long.”

Jean-François Morin, investment director at Bpifrance, said May Health is charting a “new path” in fertility care.

“We are thrilled to support the company’s effort to bring its new approach to women with PCOS, including advancing it in the pivotal REBALANCE Study,” he explained.

“With its unique mechanism of action, May Health’s device has the potential to significantly improve the lives of patients with PCOS, including but not limited to related infertility issues.

“We are committed to supporting May Health to become a leader in the PCOS space.”