MedCitizens

StartUPDATES: New Developments From Healthcare Startups

Check out news from FreezeNit, Vascular Perfusion Solutions, Kandu, and BetterYou.

FreezeNit, the trailblazer in non-toxic head lice treatment, is celebrating a significant win at the 2023 UpSwell conference’s Fast Pitch competition. Sponsored by Social Venture Partners Dallas, this prestigious event saw Joanna Shu, FreezeNit’s CEO, clinching the top spot and a $25,000 investment prize.

Specializing in innovative medical devices, FreezeNit’s mission revolves around delivering a safe, convenient, and affordable solution for head lice treatment. Their groundbreaking approach utilizes only cold CO2 gas, without pesticides, prescriptions, messy creams, or hours of combing. The recognition at the Fast Pitch competition underscores not only the technological potential but also the company’s commitment to making a positive social impact.

This win comes at an opportune time, following FreezeNit’s recent focus on raising capital for further research and development. Stay tuned for more updates as FreezeNit continues its mission-driven pursuit of accessible, safe, and environmentally friendly head lice treatment solutions.

For more information, check out FreezeNit’s LinkedIn page and founder Joanna Shu’s LinkedIn page.


Vascular Perfusion Solutions, a San Antonio-based medical device startup focused on developing novel prolonged organ preservation technologies prior to transplantation, has received a $25,000 grant from the Southwest-Midwest National Pediatric Device Innovation Consortium (SWPDC), according to a press release.

Pediatric heart surgeon Dr. Joseph Turek said in the press release that the device was an important development in pediatric cardiac transplantation.

“Development of a pediatric perfusion device is critical for expanding the donor pool and improving outcomes in pediatric cardiac transplantation,” said Turek.
“Unfortunately, children are an underserved population when it comes to innovation, adaptation of technology and clinical trials. It is our duty to advocate for them and to continue to advance the care in pediatric medicine.”

To read more, click here.


BetterYou, an AI-based “healthy habits companion” startup, has raised $6 million in a Series A funding round. Capital Midwest led the round, with additional funding from Mairs & Power, Great North Ventures, North Coast Ventures, and NelNet. According to a press release, BetterYou will use the funds to accelerate growth in key areas of its business including additional sales, marketing, and software hires. It will also continue refining its mobile app user experience.

BetterYou has partnered with several major companies and universities including H&R Block, Amway, Michigan State University, and Cleveland State University to improve employee and student wellness.

To learn more, click here.


Kandu, a tech-enabled healthcare services company focused on stroke recovery and post-acute care, shared new data at two conferences: the Society of Vascular and Interventional Neurology Annual Meeting (SVIN) in Miami Beach and the Association of Neurovascular Clinicians Annual Conference in Las Vegas, according to a press release.

Dr. Nancey Tsai, Medical Director for Kandu Medical Services and Assistant Professor at MUSC College of Medicine, presented a poster titled “Preliminary Outcomes of a Survivor-Centric Digital Platform in Stroke Recovery.” The poster shared results from the first 60 graduates of Kandu’s remote post-acute service.

Kandu’s Chief Medical Officer said the poster demonstrated the feasibility of delivering remote telemedicine services to post-acute stroke survivors.

Lauren Sheehan, Senior Director Clinical Services for Kandu Health, presented a poster that evaluated how post-stroke impairments, Social Determinants of Health, and the presence of a care partner impact survivor engagement and outcomes in a remote post-acute stroke navigation program.

To learn more, click here.

Photo: champpixs, Getty Images