Danish medtech startup UVISA has successfully raised 4.2 million DKK (approximately $600,000) in angel funding, bringing its total capital to 11.2 million DKK. The company has also received approval to commence its inaugural clinical trial for a light-based treatment targeting vaginal infections, specifically vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) and bacterial vaginosis (BV).
The forthcoming trial, set to evaluate both safety and efficacy for VVC and BV, represents a significant milestone for UVISA. Co-founder Ella Harris noted the efficiency of the approval process, stating, “The Danish Medicines Agency granted approval very quickly with only a few questions, which demonstrates the robustness of our preclinical work.” She added, “We’ve thoroughly demonstrated both safety and efficacy pre-clinically, which led the approving bodies to recognize the minimal risk profile of our technology.”
From Personal Experience to Innovation
Harris’s journey began during her Master’s in Technology Entrepreneurship at the Danish Technical University (DTU), where she encountered research from Copenhagen University (KU) and DTU on the effects of UVA light on biofilms. Initially focused on dental applications, the research revealed that UVA light alone could disrupt biofilms, a discovery that resonated with Harris, who had recently endured severe yeast infections post-maternity leave.
“I had just returned from my first maternity leave when I experienced severe yeast infections. During what should have been a relaxing babymoon in the South of France, I found myself driving through mountain towns searching for pharmacies that carried antifungal medications,” Harris recalled.
Recognizing the potential for gynecological applications, Harris partnered with Sonal Pendharkar Kulkarni, a medical scientist from Sweden’s Karolinska Institute, who was researching interventions on the vaginal microbiome for treating vaginal dysbiosis. Together, they founded UVISA to develop innovative solutions for women’s health.
A Technological Breakthrough
UVISA has developed a compact, insertable, and reusable device that delivers therapeutic light both internally and externally to target pathogens responsible for common vaginal infections. Over the past two years, the company has conducted multiple studies demonstrating that their specific light therapy utilizing carefully calibrated doses and wavelengths effectively targets harmful microbes while largely preserving beneficial bacteria.
“Our technology rebalances the vaginal microbiome without requiring pharmaceutical interventions,” explained Harris. “The reusable nature of our device makes it an especially valuable solution for individuals who experience chronic infections.”
Vaginal infections are a widespread issue, with approximately 11% of women aged 20-50 experiencing three or more episodes annually. These infections are linked to infertility and preterm birth, contributing to an economic burden of $14 billion annually from lost productivity, with treatment costs reaching $20 billion per year.
“These figures represent only the documented cases,” Harris pointed out. “The true numbers are significantly higher due to widespread self-diagnosis and self-management that goes unreported in healthcare systems.”
Clinical Trial and Future Plans
The upcoming trial, in collaboration with Odense University Hospital (OUH), aims to provide substantial data on both safety and efficacy. Recruitment is expected to begin within the next couple of weeks.
UVISA’s device offers several advantages over traditional treatments. As a reusable, at-home solution, it reduces the burden on healthcare systems. It addresses both yeast and bacterial infections and is safe to use even without an active infection, making self-management a low-risk option for women experiencing symptoms.
Strategic Funding Approach
UVISA has strategically focused on angel investors for initial funding, raising 7 million DKK (approximately $1 million) from three individual business angels in Denmark over a year ago. The recent 4.2 million DKK extension includes one existing investor and three new additions to the investor group.
“We’ve made a strategic decision to initially focus on angel investment rather than venture capital,” noted Harris. “We plan to approach VCs toward the end of this year with the goal of closing a seed round in January 2026 that will support completing the regulatory pathway, our go-to-market strategy, and commercialization efforts.”
Among UVISA’s notable investors is Sara Kindberg Adelskov, Midwife and CEO of Gynzone, who stated, “I am proudly supporting UVISA Health. I believe this product can improve the lives of many women in the future. Vaginal health seems to become an important part of understanding the mechanisms of preterm birth, which has great social-economical and human impact.”
Empowering Women’s Health
UVISA’s innovation arrives at a time when women’s health is gaining increased attention from investors, researchers, and the public. However, significant gaps remain between awareness and actionable solutions.
“Our innovation provides individuals experiencing chronic infections with a treatment option they can maintain at home, self-administer, and utilize without adding strain to healthcare systems,” said Harris. “Fundamentally, we’re empowering women to take control of their health through a solution that’s effective, convenient, and preserves their dignity.”
