Transforming Maternal and Infant Healthcare: Leading Innovations from Israel
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By Sarah Brunet Amouyal, Deeptech Expert
What is going on?
While Israel, a Middle Eastern nation, has often been in the spotlight due to regional conflicts, it's worth examining its economic prowess. According to The Economist's 2022 rankings, Israel holds the remarkable position of being the fourth most successful economy among developed countries. In recent years, Israel, alongside Ireland, has demonstrated the highest economic growth rate in the Western world. As of 2023, the IMF estimates Israel's GDP to be $564 billion, with a GDP per capita of $58,270, placing it 13th globally. Furthermore, Israel is home to the second-largest number of startup companies worldwide, trailing only the USA. This achievement is all the more impressive considering its relatively small population of 10 million.
What truly sets Israel apart is its remarkable population growth rate, which stands at 1.9%, a stark contrast to the approximately 0.2% observed in other OECD countries. The median age of the population is just 30.1 years, significantly lower than the European average of approximately 42 years. Surprisingly, half of the population is under 18 years old.
So, what explains this demographic phenomenon? Firstly, Israel's birth rate surpasses that of other OECD nations, with an average of 3.1 children per woman compared to the OECD average of 1.1. This can be attributed not only to the central role of family in Jewish culture but also to other factors. It's a paradox for a developed country with a high level of economic success, especially considering the rising cost of living. Additionally, a significant number of Jews choose to immigrate to Israel each year, a process known as Aliyah, contributing to the nation's population growth.
In this context, it becomes evident that being pregnant and having children are exceptionally common and cherished aspects of life in Israel.
What does it mean?
In a country like Israel, where the birth rate is the highest among OECD countries at 3.11 per woman, innovators are actively exploring technologies to improve pregnancy experiences and empower expectant mothers.
🧪Advancements in Diagnosis with Innovative Tests
Salignostics: Located in Jerusalem, Salignostics is a biotech company that has created the world's first saliva-based pregnancy tests, known as SaliStick. This technology is inspired by the principles used in COVID-19 testing kits. Salignostics recently completed successful clinical trials in Israel, involving over 300 women (both pregnant and non-pregnant). They plan to introduce these kits in pharmacies and retail stores across Israel, Europe, South Africa, and the United Arab Emirates. Salignostics secured approximately $16 million in capital from private investors and received four grants from the Israel Innovation Authority during the development of SaliStick tests. This marks Salignostics' entry into the global pregnancy testing market, which is projected to reach nearly $2 billion by 2030.
Identifai Genetics: In Tel Aviv, Identifai Genetics, a startup, is working on a blood test that can diagnose genetic disorders in the womb. The test is expected to provide results comparable to amniocentesis and become available by the end of 2024.
🤰Advancing Fertility with AI
As economic considerations lead many millennial women to delay starting families, the in vitro fertilization (IVF) market continues to expand, creating opportunities for innovative solutions.
Embryonics: Embryonics is an AI-driven fertility company focused on improving the success rate of embryo implantation in IVF procedures using AI algorithms. Their interdisciplinary team, consisting of algorithm specialists, data scientists, and embryologists, is developing an algorithm that predicts the likelihood of successful embryo implantation based on time-lapsed imaging of developing embryos during IVF. Clinical trials conducted at the Nadiya Clinic of Reproductive Medicine in Kyiv have already reported successful pregnancies, and the company expects approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the near future. Embryonics aims to reduce the number of required IVF cycles and the associated costs, which can range from $10,000 to $15,000 per cycle.
🔍Following up during pregnancy and reducing risks
PregnanTech: PregnanTech focuses on developing innovative solutions to reduce the risks associated with preterm births. Their product, Lioness, is a silicone ring designed to maintain the cervix's length and closure, even during contractions, which can reduce biomechanical factors contributing to preterm birth. Given that one in ten pregnancies globally results in preterm birth, this technology has the potential to significantly impact maternal and infant health.
Nuvo: Nuvo offers INVU, a fetal and maternal monitoring solution worn like a belt by pregnant women. This FDA-cleared device measures fetal movements, fetal heart rate, and maternal heart rate using central and acoustic sensors. The company has also submitted an FDA approval request to include a new uterine activity module for remote maternal uterine activity monitoring.
PulseNmore: PulseNmore has developed a handheld tele-ultrasound device that enables expecting parents to conduct at-home scans. Especially in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, this device reduces the need for hospital visits and unnecessary emergency room trips. The device connects to a smartphone, displaying images on the screen that can be sent to a doctor or sonographer for analysis.
HeraMED: HeraMED, located in Netanya, has created a range of solutions for at-home pregnancy care. One of their products, HeraBEAT, is a smartphone-based baby heartbeat monitor designed for home use. HeraMED is also working on EchoBEAT, a device with Fetal Movement Detection (FMD), and ORION, an AI-powered pregnancy monitoring system developed in collaboration with the Mayo Clinic to detect early signs of potential pregnancy complications.
🍼Helping mothers to breastfeed
MyMilk Labs: MyMilk Labs, based in Herzliya, has developed a milk sensing device called MyLee. This device analyzes a small sample of breast milk to provide valuable insights into breastfeeding progress, milk supply, and early indications of breast inflammation. It is particularly beneficial for postpartum mothers. The MyLee App is available for download, and the device can be ordered through MyMilk's website.
Bio Milk: Bio Milk, known for its cultured milk production, is now exploring the concept of producing cultured human breast milk. This innovation aims to create breast milk outside the mother's body, potentially increasing accessibility to breast milk and offering advantages for both mothers and infants.
What’s next?
These Israeli startups are leading a revolution in the fields of pregnancy care and infant health by leveraging cutting-edge technologies and innovative solutions. They are addressing various aspects of both prenatal and postnatal care, as well as providing valuable support for breastfeeding.
Israel has made significant strides in the FemTech sector, gaining recognition in women's health, particularly in pregnancy care and infant health. While the global FemTech sector is still evolving, Israel already boasts approximately 100 local companies in this field, with more emerging. FemTech encompasses technologies that prioritize women's health and well-being, offering insights and support, particularly in pregnancy and family planning.
✨ That’s all for today. Thanks for reading !
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