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The operation of getting screen for cervical cancer is quite daunting . It ’s the once - a - twelvemonth , sometimes aliveness - changing treatment that involves the brilliant illumination of a doctor ’s function and an uncomfortable insertion that always seems to last too long .
It ’s no wonder Kara Egan and Dr. Avnesh Thakor saw the potential to make this summons more well-fixed for women . The two amount together in 2020 and launchedTeal Heath , a fellowship deal resource about women ’s wellness and looking to create products so women can transmit cervical cancer screenings at home base . It would be a first - of - its - kind product and is awaiting FDA approval .
The company came out of stealth mode in January 2023 and start clinical trial that November .
investor seem bullish on the idea . Today , Teal Health foretell a $ 10 million seed extension service led by Emerson Collective and Forerunner , bringing its entire funding to $ 23 million . Other investor in the round include Serena Ventures and Chelsea Clinton .
“ Cervical cancer screening are the most important and often the submission item to a women ’s wellness relationship , ” Egan , co - laminitis and CEO , told TechCrunch . “ More than 1 in 4 women are currently behind on this life - saving screening . ”
Pending FDA approval , Teal Health will liberate its Teal Wand for at - home use . A person will be able to bespeak an at - home collection kit , and the company will provide a telehealth visit , once a person receive the outfit , they roll up their vaginal samples using the Teal Wand , seal the sample , and ship it to a Teal - approved lab . “ Teal documentation is uncommitted to insure we answer any questions you have along the style , ” Egan said .
Cervical cancer used to be one of the most common cancer deaths for char , though more bar and covering helped to minify this , accord to the American Cancer Society . The preceding few years have regard these decreases stabilise as it is believed more women hop-skip out on prevention and screening measures .
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“ woman want to stay up on their health viewing , but they are balance a lot , ” Egan say . This white space in the market has number at a salutary time — involvement in backingwomen ’s health companieshas increased every year .
In fact , Egan called her fundraising cognitive operation “ perk up . ” She met her lead investors through her professional meshing , especially as she was formerly an investor herself .
Teal Health will apply the wise capital to affirm the launch of its Teal Wand .
“ This funding will help us further heighten our robust telehealth program , patient portal , educational resources , and client financial support tool , as well as continue to develop our team of phenomenal medical providers , ” Egan say . “ We ’ve focused on our plans for descale across the U.S. ”
There are many women ’s health companies in the area , but not necessarily look to provide an at - home twist for cervical cancer . Teal ’s main competition is the standard OB / GYN , but the company is hoping that provide a well-off alternative — mean not having to schedule an appointment and go in person to see a clinician — will draw more customer to the product .
“ The standard fear is no longer working for women and we are see this through the declining screening rates and increasing rates of cancer , ” Egan order . “ By making this vital preventive screening more accessible , comfortable , and convenient , we have the might to increase screening rates and study towards eliminating cervical malignant neoplastic disease in the U.S. ”
