UVISA secures extra $600k pre-seed - and is greenlighted for first clinical trial of light-based vaginal infection therapy
Danish MedTech firm prepares to test device aimed at treating bacterial vaginosis and thrush without drugs
UVISA Health, a Copenhagen-based medical device company, has secured an additional €600,000 in pre-seed funding from a group of Danish angel investors, bringing its total raised to €1.5 million. The announcement coincides with regulatory approval from the Danish Medicines Agency and the Medical Research Ethics Committee for the company’s first clinical trial.
The trial will evaluate UVISA’s light-based treatment for two of the most common vaginal infections globally: vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) and bacterial vaginosis (BV). It will take place at Odense University Hospital under the leadership of Professor Dr. Pernille Ravn, and assess the safety and efficacy of a small, reusable insertable device that emits targeted light to both the internal vaginal canal and external vulva.
“We are thrilled to have received formal approval to begin our first clinical investigation,” says Ella Harris, CEO and Founder of UVISA. "The Danish Medicines Agency granted approval very quickly with only a few questions, which demonstrates the robustness of our pre-clinical work".
A safe, effective, drug-free alternative
Globally, millions of women suffer from recurrent vaginal infections, with standard treatments relying on antifungal and antibiotic drugs. These therapies can cause side effects, fail to prevent recurrence, and contribute to antimicrobial resistance—a growing concern in both gynaecology and public health. UVISA aims to offer a safe, effective, drug-free alternative.
"In our work as gynaecologists, we see the impact of vaginal infections on a regular basis," said Professor Dr. Ravn.
"We are excited by the prospect of having a drug-free solution, as current medications cause many side effects and add to the huge problem of antimicrobial resistance."
UVISA’s preclinical studies suggest its device can selectively eliminate harmful pathogens while preserving beneficial bacteria - a feature not typically seen in conventional antimicrobial treatments.
“The ability of our light-based treatment to spare more beneficial bacteria, unlike conventional antibiotics, is a critical distinction, and shows the transformative potential of light-based therapies,” said Dr. Sonal Pendharkar Kulkarni, Co-Founder and Chief Scientific Officer.
VVC and BV affect an estimated 11% of women aged 20 to 50 worldwide. Both conditions are associated with infertility, preterm birth, and increased risk of contracting other sexually transmitted infections. Despite their prevalence, treatment options have changed little in decades.
UVISA’s device, grounded in peer-reviewed research, is designed for self-administration and intended to offer a non-pharmacological option for women with recurrent or drug-resistant infections. The latest round of funding will support the clinical trial and continued development.