Where innovation meets investment
1 Jan 1970
Montreux, Switzerland
MedTech Presenters
Confirmed Presenting Companies
The following companies will be presenting at MedTech Investing Europe Conference in Switzerland on the 19 & 20 March 2012.
Abionic is a start-up based in Switzerland, which is ideally positioned at the boundaries of medical technology, biotechnology and nanotechnology. As a spin-off from EPFL (Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne, Switzerland), Abionic uses the most advanced technology to supply physicians with a novel point-of-care diagnostic tool and thereby provide patients with personal allergy profiles.
Adoptics AG is a Swiss company focused on developing an accommodating intraocular lens (AIOL) to treat cataract and presbyopia based on patented technology. The company’s strategy is to introduce a single product to address a specific need in an enormous market where no viable product exists. Adoptics has secured a comprehensive investment agreement with Hoya Corporation, a large multinational company and have attracted a talented executive team with extensive experience in building innovative ophthalmic companies.
Aespira is an inhaler products company developing a series of robust and foolproof single-use inhaler products targeting major markets. The inhaler ensures that the dose is always delivered correctly and never lost, and provides audible confirmation of delivery. The initial drugs to be delivered using this inhaler device are all generic drugs, enabling rapid product approval via a simple regulatory route (bioequivalence). Aespira is managed by a team of international experts in the pulmonary and inhaler field. The company is now preparing for its first clinical trial. Aespira has a Letter of Interest from a major pharma company regarding its first planned product. Subsequent pipeline products address multi-billion dollar markets.
Provide diagnostic kit and active therapies to treat Neurodegenerative Diseases.
The company is primarily dedicated to research and development of therapies and diagnostic products for use in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) targeting beta-amyloids (AB).
The Company is developing two product lines in R&D:
1. Diagnosis of AD, with EPO patented, CE marked, kits based on the detection of beta-amyloid 40 and 42 proteins in blood. These products will be initially used in clinical trials of new therapies to monitor results, and will eventually be employed to detect early stage disease in asymptomatic individuals.
2. AD treatments based on EPO patented active immunotherapy, through a series of vaccines which have shown promising results in animal models and are starting Phase I testing in humans shortly.
Clinical trials results with the blood test kit support a link between blood levels of beta-amyloid and the development of AD: early stage diagnosis appears to be possible.
Axanton business has patented technology platform, which targets the modified, intrinsically disordered sequences of proteins-the upstream cause of diseases in aging and infection. The aging associated diseases and infection begin by the modification of the protein network. Elimination of the modified proteins keeps the tissue homeostasis. The modified proteins are eliminated by immunoboosters: the antibodies, polyclonal against the modified peptide. A-144 (used at 5 micrograms per weeks, sublingually) prevents viral/bacterial infection (also this resistant to current treatment) and stops the early symptoms of the aging associated diseases. The mechanism responsible for the beginning of these diseases is the same through the body (Parkinson’s, hypertension, cardiovascular disorder, liver, bone, and eye-aging associated degeneration). A-144 is extremely efficient and non-toxic in mice at acute toxicity studies and in human at 5 years chronic treatment (auto-evaluation). Axanton needs 3-20 M CHF for development of A-144 and other compounds on the technology platform.
Cardiogal
Cardiogal develops innovative Non-Invasive Cardiac and Hemodynamic (NICHETM) technology for advanced hemodynamic monitoring, fluid management guidance, monitoring for early development of ischemia and stress testing. Cardiogal patented technology provides 'hands-free' monitoring of well established echo Doppler indices for cardiac blood inflow, stroke volume, filling pressure and heart muscle function. Presently this important clinical information is only available using manually operated ultrasound scanners that are not suitable for continuous bed-side monitoring.
The Company successfully completed clinical trials in a leading medical centre in Israel. The study demonstrated excellent correlation between NICHETM measured parameters and standard echo measurements. Cardiogal products aim at emerging market with double digit annual growth rate and untapped two billion dollar opportunity. The Company is currently seeking fund for the completion of product files, transfer to production, obtaining regulatory clearance (FDA, CE) and initiate sale.
Erib Corp. is an innovative Medical- and Diagnostics-product Company from Canton Bern in Switzerland. We research, develop, produce and sale sensoric controlled micro technical medical devices for home use. We are with specialist knowledge in the area of adiposity, Enzymology & diagnostics. The company plans to have its own development department, laboratories and production facilities.
eZono AG is a pioneer in portable ultrasound systems designed for new applications like regional anaesthesia or emergency care, where training is the key barrier to wider adoption. The company was founded in 2004 in Jena/Germany and its first product, eZono 3000, was launched in Europe in 2009 and in the USA in 2011. Its software-based signal processing and Linux operating system allows the touch screen based eZono 3000 to be used as easily as an iPad. The built-in patented CueCards, 3D anatomy tools and reference materials for medical applications, accelerate the learning curve of doctors. CueCards can be downloaded online from myeZono.com. As next step, eZono has developed a unique patented needle detection technology, allowing to pinpoint the physical position of any needle and its tip in 3D space. This breakthrough not only helps to broaden the use of ultrasound in interventional procedures but also makes them significantly safer.
Geneva Biotech
Geneva Biotech is an innovative start-up with a vision to market their world class portfolio of intelligent protein expression technologies across a broad spectrum of application fields: for pharmaceutical drug development, biopharmaceutical manufacturing, and development of flavours and fragrances.
Francis Lamont Innovations Ltd
Super Bugs – ie MRSA etc are on the increase in hospitals in the world and drug companies are having increasing difficulties producing new effective antibioltics as organisms mutate to even more resistant strains. Over use of antibiotics compounds the resistance problem. ICNet NG real time case management and surveillance software is a major help to the Infection Control Team in Hospitals and Pharmacists use ICNet ABX Alert software to track the effectiveness of prescriptions. Both programs save lives and time and money. ICNet dominates UK Market and is used by about 1,000 Hospitals worldwide, The software is multi lingual with installations in USA, Canada, France, Germany, Malaysia, Australia, New Zealand & China. With strong management and 40 fully trained staff spread throughout every continent, ICNet believes its software is the proven global market leader. Maintaining first mover advantage is important and expensive. For this reason the founding family seek about US$3 million investment.
Laserix sarl is a Swiss start-up company that has developed an UE and USA patented proprietary technique to cure arthritic articular cartilage. The result is not operator dependant and has negligible side effects. The product is ready for the horse veterinary market but still needs certification for human application. Laserix looks for investor/ partners to commercialise the product.
MindMaze combines state of the art virtual reality, robotics and brain imaging technologies into a truly portable, easy to use system for rehabilitation of movement disabilities post stroke and brain injury. Our solution provides customized programs for each therapy session catered to the patients' abilities and enables independent practice in both the hospital and home setting. Objective monitoring of the patient’s performance through brain patterns correlated to the movement performance in every therapy session both live and remotely by doctors and therapists through our dedicated online services. Our multi-layered technology will maximize independent therapy sessions for quicker recovery times and a better quality of life.
The reprocessing of sterile medical devices (cleaning, disinfection, sterilization) is a very sensitive topic covered by many international regulatory constraints. Odus Technologies S.A., based in Vevey, Switzerland, has recently developed an innovative solution named Satya Control that will help dental surgeries and other small healthcare organisations comply with the new regulations regarding sterilization control and traceability. Their electronic device can be installed on any existing steam steriliser and will monitor its performance accurately in order to reduce the risk of contamination due to a malfunction of the machine. The device will also send the sterilization data to the Company's remote server where daily sterilisation reports are automatically generated, archived and sent to the customer via email.
Vision: Ensure patient relief and safety through individualized treatment. Mission: Provides controllable and personalized treatment solutions to clinicians and their patients.
Customer value: Ortoma Treatment Solution, OTSTM, allows orthopedic surgeons to provide individualized treatments to each of their patients with potentially improved outcomes and safety. Patients appreciate a safe and well-planned procedure with the potential to shorten time for recovery and diminish complications. Health Society may increase cost-efficiency by increased output without jeopardizing patient safety.
Business Opportunity & Market Potential
Ortoma was founded in 2002 by Dr Matts Andersson. He is also the inventor of the well-known dental design- and production system, Procera™, which he invented in 1981 and sold to Nobel Biocare in 1987. Today, Procera provides customized dental implants and has become a huge success since its global launch in 1995. Ortoma aim to create a similar solution with business opportunities in orthopedics.
There is a customer need to individualize surgical procedures that may provide improved long-term results and pain relief for patients. In order to support surgeons to perform patient specific surgery, Ortoma provides robust and scalable products and services for diagnosis, planning and surgery:
• OTS Plan - pre-planning of procedural steps in a 3D software program.
• OTS Implant - patient specific implants manufactured based on surgeon´s choice and patient´s need.
• OTS Guide – navigation device guiding surgeons to optimal results in the Operating Room.
Ortoma has resolved to affect a new issue of shares targeted at a limited number of investors/owners. The proceeds will be used mainly for completing development of OTS Plan and OTS Guide; Proof of Concept and Clinical Trials for an OTS Implant and CE marking of the products.
Powersens S.A. (located in Geneva, Switzerland) is a startup company focusing on solving a compelling need for the prevention and treatment of orthopedic trauma with electronic shoe insoles that retrieves foot data for biofeedback and analysis.
The medical device is specifically well suited for people with foot plantar ulcer where faster treatment and prevention is achieved with significant reduction of treatment cost for over 7 millions of users per year in Europe and U.S.A. This affordable, reliable and standalone product has a high potential in the medical market and furthermore in the sport and game market.
ProtAffin AG is a biotechnology company that has developed a new technology for generating biopharmaceuticals targeting life-threatening diseases. The CellJammer® discovery technology generates biopharmaceuticals that potently down-regulate protein function. Our glycan-binding products avoid many limitations of established drugs, such as antibodies and small molecules. Our lead product is PA401, an anti-inflammatory protein derived from IL-8. PA401 has outstanding preclinical efficacy in models of COPD, the 4th leading cause of death in the West and a $15 billion market opportunity. PA401 also has potential in cystic fibrosis and related lung inflammation. A Phase 1 study for PA401 is scheduled for Q2 2012. Our second program, an MCP-1 decoy is potent in models of myocardial infarction, restenosis and multiple sclerosis.
ProtAffin has raised €19 million from an international consortium of leading European and North American VC investors and €6m in grant financing. ProtAffin is located in Austria and the UK.
RapiDx
Relaxbirth Ltd. is a young, promising global company in MedTech looking for market entry financing. With a committed management team, consisting of shareholders, and backed by an experienced international business management advisory board the personnel have over 50 years of childbirth experience in various countries.
Relaxbirth® makes natural childbirths easier for the baby, mother and professionals improving their childbirth experience by helping the mother to be more relaxed and maximize her natural powers to deliver. The Relaxbirth® system consists of Relaxbirth® birthing support device, method, training, services and supplies. Relaxbirth® is protected with Model Design, patent pending, TM, domains, etc. Feedback has been gathered in hospital trials since 2009, with positive results and International marketing started 2011. Relaxbirth® is ready for global markets to provide wellbeing in childbirths. Relaxbirth® was awarded the Best European Woman Innovation Title 2009-2010 (EUWIIN).
SENSIMED is a Swiss company with its principal focus on the design, development, and commercialization of integrated micro-systems for medical devices. The company’s first product, the SENSIMED Triggerfish®, is a revolutionary solution for continuous 24-hour monitoring of fluctuations in intra-ocular pressure to manage glaucoma patients.
StereoTools provides the first highly accurate and miniature guide for brain surgery: the StereoPod. It can be used to perform all stereotactic procedures, especially: Deep Brain Stimulation and brain biopsies. It brings key advantages to all the actors involved: the neurosurgeons, the patients, the hospital managers and the insurances. The StereoPod has the best accuracy results published, is easy to use and fully MRI compatible and allows bilateral simultaneous insertion. It drastically increases the patient’s comfort, reduces the time in the operation theatre and has a similar cost than currently used devices. We are currently looking for financial partners to perform our clinical trials.
ValveXchange® is introducing the world’s first lifetime tissue heart valve. The ValveXchange® Vitality™ is a 2-part pericardial bioprosthesis that will bring the full, active lifestyle advantages of tissue valves to heart valve patients of all ages. Today, patients under 65 years old are candidates for a mechanical heart valve that requires high-dosage, life-altering anticoagulation therapy. Tissue valves do not need long-term anticoagulation drugs and allow the patient to pursue whatever lifestyle they choose, but the tissue leaflets wear out in 10-15 years. The ValveXchange® approach allows the leaflets to be exchanged when needed, for a lifetime tissue valve solution. Everyone benefits: The patients’ quality of life is best, and society’s costs are lowest. ValveXchange® is focused on Europe for market launch. First in man feasibility testing has been completed and clinical trials leading to CE mark will be conducted in 2012. Market approval is expected in early 2013.
ViroGates is an international Medtech company headquartered in Copenhagen, Denmark. ViroGates develops and distributes prognostic products for healthcare management with the aim of identifying risk patients early and improve the lives of seriously infected people globally.
The novel ViroGates product labelled suPARnostic®, the “Risk Status Marker”, measures a protein present in all individuals known as soluble urokinase Plasminogen Activator Receptor (suPAR). suPARnostic® has a unique value as biomarker: Independent of the respective condition, an elevated suPARnostic® level carries a negative prognostic value and is thus an alarm for the patients risk status.
In clinical practice suPARnostic®’s main application is screening of individuals to determine the risk of developing life style related diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes type 2 etc. In critical care suPAR is primarily used in patient triaging as well as for monitoring of treatment efficacy and success. suPARnostic®’s prognostic value has been documented in various infectious conditions through clinical studies, these include sepsis, tuberculosis, malaria and HIV but also in inflammatory diseases such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes type 2.
Windgan Holding SA
Windgan Holding SA Incorporated and based in Lausanne, Switzerland. Windgan Holding SA is a medical device shareholders' portfolio company and currently has 4 companies including several early stage projects in its portfolio. Windgan Holding SA is the majority or at least largest shareholder in all portfolio companies, i.e. in Sophono Inc. (42% ownership), OrthoWin SA (89%), Windgan Trading SA (85%) and 7L LLC (50%). The companies are all in the field of medical devices and span both a spectrum of medical specialties as well as a spectrum of commercial maturities.
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Previous attendees comments
"Both the number of investors and their calibre proved unrivalled in what was a thoroughly enjoyable and productive conference"
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