There are many aspects of women’s health that are poorly served by existing products. A new crop of startups developing digital solutions for these problems has completed the latest program from PharmStars, a digital health accelerator.
PharmStars recently announced the graduation of 13 startups from its spring 2023 cohort, which had the theme “Innovations in Women’s Health or Health Equity.” Participating startups were selected in February after a competitive application process drawing more than 60 applicants from 14 countries. Companies were selected based on their offering of a unique digital health solution, such as new biomarkers, diagnostic tools, and digital therapeutics.
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The companies selected for the cohort completed PharmStars’ 10-week program, PharmaU, which culminated with a showcase event held in Boston in May. The event included one-on-one meetings with pharmaceutical companies that are members of PharmStars. The pharma member list includes companies such as Roche, Pfizer, and Novo Nordisk.
PharmStars is still accepting applications for its upcoming fall cohort, which is themed “Digital Innovations in Therapeutic Delivery: Supply Chain to the Patient Interface.” Digital health startups interested in participating can find additional details and the application form on the PharmStars’ website. The application deadline is July 10.
Here are the 13 digital health startups that completed PharmStars’ spring 2023 program:
GPx. The Boston-based startup is developing continuous, non-invasive digital blood and urine biomarkers.
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Health Care Originals. Based in Rochester, New York, Health Care Originals is developing a respiratory -monitoring platform for people with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder.
Health In Her HUE. This New York-based company is developing a platform that connects Black women and women of color to culturally sensitive healthcare providers, evidence-based health content, and community support.
Innsightful. Leveraging artificial intelligence, Sunnyvale, California-based Innsightful is developing a wearable device that monitors for signs of stress and provides just-in-time interventions and recommendations.
Local Infusion. This Nashville-based startup is developing tech-enabled physician-administered infusion centers.
Manta Cares. The technology of San Francisco-based Manta Cares provides interactive “maps” and an engagement platform for cancer patients and their caregivers.
MiMARK. Barcelona-based MiMARK sees diagnostic potential in gynecologic fluid. The startup is developing an in vitro diagnostics for applications in diagnosing gynecological cancers.
My Moves Matter. Based in Dublin, this startup is developing a patient-centric, neuro-friendly patient engagement platform for women with Parkinson’s disease.
NalaGenetics. Singapore-based NalaGenetics is developing a genetic risk prediction tool for pre-screening of cancer, cardiometabolic, and neurodegenerative diseases.
Nivi. Based in Sudbury, Massachusetts, Nivi is developing an insights engine and WhatsApp Chatbot for promoting global health equity.
Samphire Neuroscience. This London-based startup is developing a neurotechnology-based therapeutic headband for mental and physical symptoms of menstruation.
Twill. New York-based Twill is developing a direct-to-consumer marketing and adherence platform.
viO HealthTech. The technology of Old Saybrook, Connecticut-based viO HealthTech provides continuous remote monitoring of menstrual cycles for drug efficacy.
Photo: FotografiaBasica, Getty Images
