Pregnolia Secures CHF 2.2 Million investment to expand premature birth diagnostic device and enter US market

16.11.2023 15:55, Rita Longobardi

The investment is earmarked to evolve Pregnolia device, originally designed for identifying premature birth risks, into a comprehensive diagnostic system. These funds will also support the company's strategic entry into the US market, representing a crucial step in advancing maternal healthcare solutions.

Premature births remain a significant challenge and an unresolved problem. This is emphasized in the WHO report "Born Too Soon – Decade of action on preterm birth," 15 years after designating November 17 as "World Prematurity Day" in 2008. Despite ongoing efforts, one in ten children is born prematurely, totalling approximately 13.4 million babies globally each year. The emotional, financial, and societal burdens associated with premature births remain substantial, with no reduction in rates over the past decade.

Addressing the imprecision of current prediction methods, Pregnolia's CEO, Sabina Badir, recognized the significance of cervix stiffness as a reliable indicator of potential premature births. Several ongoing studies have confirmed this correlation, supporting the development of Pregnolia's device for precise cervix stiffness measurement. The company aims to expand this into a diagnostic system providing immediate risk assessments for physicians.

To achieve this goal, Pregnolia is conducting clinical studies in collaboration with specialists in Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Italy. These studies, expected to conclude within the next 18 months, will contribute to building a comprehensive cervix stiffness database from normal and at-risk pregnancies.

Securing CHF 2.2 Million in a recent financing round, Pregnolia plans to fund ongoing clinical studies, data processing, and develop a roadmap for obtaining US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval for its diagnostic system in the US market.

Pregnolia won Venture Kick Stage 3 in 2016, participated in Venture Leaders Life Sciences in 2016, and was ranked among the TOP 100 Swiss Startups from 2016 to 2020.