Swiss medtech start-up secures US$5m to innovate gynaecological procedures

The Swiss medtech company Aspivix has closed a US$5m funding round to develop less invasive gynaecological and contraceptive procedures.

The start-up, focused on innovations in women’s healthcare, is the developer behind a “suction-based” cervical device, called CAREVIX, that aims to reduce pain and bleeding during transcervical procedures.

The funding round, led by HEMEX with the help of 4FOx ventures, Zürcher Kantonalbank and LaunchPad APAC, will help Aspivix to enter the market in Europe and US and finance clinical activities in the US.

Additionally, the company will invest money in R&D to expand its already existing product line to empower women with “gentler and safer” gynaecological procedures.

“We are very impressed with the excellent clinical outcomes Aspivix has demonstrated with CAREVIX in gynaecological procedures like intra-uterine device (IUD) insertion” said Pascal Winnen, CEO of Hemex AG and new board member at Aspivix.

“We believe that the significant reduction in pain and bleeding, will allow many more women to choose this safe and efficacious method of contraception.”

Jean-Pierre Rosat, general partner of 4FOx Ventures, said: “As an original investor in Aspivix, we are pleased with the progress of this company.

“This follow-up investment will allow the company to reach its patients and allow women to benefit from their wonderful innovations.”

Alongside the US$5m Series A funding round, the start-up has also received a EUREKA-EUROSTARS grant co-funded by Innosuisse, a Swiss innovation agency.

Julien Finci, Aspivix co-founder and CTO, said: “The EUREKA-EUROSTARS grant will enable us to pursue new product development, boost research and strengthen our technological edge.”

His co-founder and Aspivix CEO, Mathieu Horras, added: “The trust from our existing and new investors is a great motivation to realise our vision in women’s health and make a difference for millions of women worldwide.”