The journey towards cervical cancer screening has always been a daunting one. It’s a regular yet crucial medical procedure that often involves the glaring lights of a clinic and an uncomfortable process lasting longer than desired.
Recognizing this plight, Kara Egan and Dr. Avnesh Thakor co-founded Teal Health in 2020, on a mission to revolutionize this process, by pioneering at-home cervical cancer screenings. This game-changing concept, the first of its kind, is under review for FDA approval.
Taking strides forward, by January 2023, Teal Health emerged from stealth mode and initiated clinical trials by the end of the year.
Investors demonstrate great enthusiasm towards this disruptive innovation. Today, Teal Health announces their $10 million seed extension, headed by Emerson Collective and Forerunner. This brings their total funding to a notable $23 million, with prominent investors like Serena Ventures and Chelsea Clinton backing their efforts.
Egan, the CEO, emphasizes the relevance of cervical cancer screenings, highlighting it as a critical step in a woman’s healthcare journey. Sadly, over 1 in 4 women are currently overdue for this crucial preventive screening.
Subject to FDA approval, Teal Health plans to introduce the Teal Wand for at-home use. This easy-to-use, self-sampling kit accompanied by a telehealth visit can transform the way women approach cervical cancer screenings, offering comfort, convenience, and privacy.
Cervical cancer was once a leading cause of death among women, but proactive screening and preventive measures have helped in reducing its prevalence. Regrettably, this downward trend has stabilized recently due to an increase in women opting out of regular screenings.
Egan notes that there is significant potential in this sector with growing interest in women’s health initiatives. Using this fresh capital, Teal Health aspires to further refine their telehealth framework, boost educational resources, and expand their team of exceptional healthcare providers. Their ultimate goal aims to upturn the current healthcare landscape by making cervical cancer screenings more accessible, comfortable, and convenient.
While there are numerous women’s health initiatives in the market, Teal Health stands unique in their approach to cervical cancer prevention. Their primary competitors are traditional medical clinics, but by offering an attractive, at-home alternative, Egan hopes to attract more customers and ultimately work towards the goal of eliminating cervical cancer.
Original source: Read the full article on TechCrunch
