Novocuff
Overview
Novocuff is a medical device company focused on improving pregnancy outcomes and reducing preterm births. The company was founded in 2021 by Amelia Degenkolb and Donald Lee. Novocuff is based in Mountain View, California, and it has raised $26 million in a Series A funding round to aid in its development . Novocuff's primary technology involves a device aimed at preemptively reducing the risks associated with preterm births by treating conditions like cervical shortening.
Recent Developments
- July 2024: Novocuff successfully closed a $26 million Series A financing round led by AXA IM Alts. The funds will be used to support the company’s growth, including a U.S. multi-center pivotal clinical trial, marketing authorization, and early-stage commercialization. The trial is anticipated to begin in early 2025.
- February 2024: Novocuff joined the Fogarty Innovation's company accelerator program to advance its device designed to prevent preterm birth.
- January 15, 2024: Donald Lee shared personal insights on preterm birth challenges, inspired by his own family’s experiences, which motivated the founding of Novocuff.
- 2023: Amy Degenkolb graduated from the Ferolyn Fellowship at Fogarty Innovation, adding further credibility to her work in advancing healthcare technologies.
The primary focus of the investment and development efforts are on Novocuff's Cervical Control System (CCS), a minimally invasive device designed to stabilize and close the cervix, thereby reducing preterm births. The device also focuses on addressing conditions such as Preterm Premature Rupture of Membranes (PPROM) and cervical shortening, which are significant contributors to preterm birth.
Company Information
| Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| Founding Date | 2021 |
| Headquarters | Mountain View, California |
| Founders | Amelia Degenkolb, Donald Lee |
| Revenue | Not publicly disclosed |
| Profits | Not publicly disclosed |
| Key Investors | AXA IM Alts, Laborie, RH Capital, Laerdal Million Lives Fund, March of Dimes |
| Industry | Medical Devices |
| Number of Employees | Approximately 7 |
Early History
Novocuff originated from a personal journey by co-founder Donald Lee when faced with the challenge of premature birth in his own family. Donald's wife, diagnosed with a short cervix at 21 weeks of pregnancy, inspired him, along with Amelia Degenkolb, to develop a device to help prevent preterm births. Beginning with early prototypes in 2019 and supported by their combined engineering expertise, they developed a medical device that became the foundation of their company, ultimately forming Novocuff in 2021.
Company Profile and Achievements
Novocuff spearheads innovative technological solutions specifically designed to address preterm birth complications. Some key achievements include:
- Launch of the Novocuff Cervical Control System, which stabilizes and closes the cervix to retain amniotic fluid and sustain cervical length, thus extending pregnancy duration.
- Secured $26 million in series A funding, with contributions from notable investment entities such as AXA IM Alts and Laborie.
- Developed in collaboration with the Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship (CIE) at Cal Poly, reflecting a nurturing environment for startups.
- Plans for a multi-center U.S. clinical trial to sell commercial medical devices at scale.
Current Operations and Market Position
As of 2024, Novocuff remains positioned to address significant health issues concerning preterm birth, recognized globally as a leading cause of infant mortality. The company's focus on clinical trials and global healthcare partnerships reflects its commitment to transforming pregnancy care standards. Novocuff is supported by a robust investor base, granting it substantial financial backing for further research and development. The company's device offers a novel and potentially lifesaving solution, aligning with global health goals to reduce infant mortality.
Conclusion
Novocuff is set on a course to make significant contributions towards reducing preterm births, addressing a pressing global health concern. With innovative solutions and substantial financial backing, Novocuff aims to enhance pregnancy outcomes and lower infant mortality rates worldwide. Its continued commitment to healthcare improvement and strategic trial developments suggest a promising impact in women's health advancements in the coming years.