U.S. launch of BLOOM device funded by Plexāā to the tune of $4.5 million
In a groundbreaking development for the medical industry, Plexāā, a UK-based MedTech startup, has announced a $4.5 million funding extension for the U.S. launch of their innovative medical device, BLOOM43. The device, designed to help patients prepare for breast surgery and reconstruction, employs a unique technique called Supraphysiological Preconditioning™ to enhance patient outcomes.
The funding round, led by TCP Health Ventures, has also seen investments from the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) and THENA Capital. THENA Capital, with its commercialisation support model, is well-suited to help Plexāā expand into women’s health and adjacent categories.
Saahil Mehta, founder and CEO of Plexāā, leads a team with clinical, engineering, and operational expertise from some of the UK's leading institutions. Mehta expressed gratitude for the team's efforts in securing the funding, stating, "This funding will support the U.S. launch and market expansion of BLOOM43, as well as the development of Plexāā's technology platform."
BLOOM43 works by intermittently thermally preconditioning the skin, leading to the release of heat-shock proteins and causing vasodilation and increased blood flow to the treated area. This process has been shown to reduce wound healing complications in proof-of-concept clinical trials.
The benefits and results of using BLOOM43 are significant. The device aims to reduce complication rates such as infection and skin necrosis, which can affect up to one in three women undergoing breast surgery[1]. Additionally, BLOOM43 enhances the patient experience and surgical readiness through holistic Prehabilitation™ and preconditioning, leading to better preparation for surgery[1]. The preconditioning process also increases blood flow to the area, potentially improving wound healing outcomes[1].
Tatum Getty, founding General Partner at THENA Capital, has expressed excitement about Plexāā becoming the first portfolio company for THENA Capital’s Fund I. Getty noted, "Along with its companion app, BLOOM43 has demonstrated substantial improvements in the patient experience and surgical readiness."
Plexāā plans to collaborate with clinicians, patients, and partners worldwide to make prehabilitation and preconditioning the standard of care for surgery. The startup's long-term goal is to make these innovative techniques the norm across the surgical pathway, addressing a critical and under-addressed challenge.
The reduction of post-operative complications not only benefits patients but also providers and payers. By delivering transformative solutions that address unmet needs in surgical care, Plexāā's ambition is to scale globally, beginning with an imminent commercial launch in the U.S.
[1] Plexāā, (2022). BLOOM43: Improving outcomes for breast surgery patients. Retrieved from https://www.plexaa.com/bloom43 [2] Plexāā, (2022). Plexāā secures $4.5 million funding extension for U.S. launch of BLOOM43. Retrieved from https://www.plexaa.com/news/plexaa-secures-4-5-million-funding-extension-for-us-launch-of-bloom43
- The funding extension for Plexāā's innovative device, BLOOM43, will facilitate its U.S. launch and expansion into adjacent categories like women's health, as THENA Capital, with its commercialisation support model, is well-suited to facilitate this growth.
- Digital health news outlets have reported significant benefits from using BLOOM43, a device designed for breast surgery patients, which aims to reduce complication rates and enhance the patient experience through holistic prehabilitation and preconditioning.
- In the realm of science and medical-conditions, Plexāā's long-term goal is to make prehabilitation and preconditioning the standard of care for surgery, addressing a critical and under-addressed challenge, and potentially improving health-and-wellness outcomes for women undergoing breast surgery.
