Medtech start-up is developing a novel obesity therapy
"We help people lose weight. Without surgery, without implants, without lifelong medication"
The German medical technology start-up Sedivention has received €800,000 in pre-seed funding from HTGF, one of the leading and most active early-stage investors in Germany and Europe. The Straßlach-based company is developing a medical device that enables a one-time, interventional, and minimally invasive therapy for obesity.
1.5 billion affected by 2030
Obesity and related diseases already cause 3.7 million deaths a year and are growing rapidly around the globe. Recent studies show that the disease will affect 1.5 billion people by 2030. It has many causes: physical inactivity combined with a high-calorie diet, genetic and psychological factors, sleep deprivation and stress. At some point, all obese people suffer from a dysregulation of hunger and satiety. The feedback loop between food intake and satiety no longer works and, as one sufferer put it, there is an ‘obsession with food’. The vagus nerve plays an important role in this dysregulation.
Cost-effective, outpatient therapy with high efficacy
Sedivention is developing a cryocatheter that ablates the gastric branches of the vagus nerve within minutes. The procedure can be performed in an outpatient setting, similar to a gastroscopy, as a one-time, minimally invasive procedure. The new, innovative and cost-effective procedure will also have a positive impact on obesity-related comorbidities such as diabetes and hypertension.
"Obesity is not a consequence of lack of discipline, it is a disease in itself. We help people lose weight. Without surgery, without implants, without lifelong medication", Dr. Ute Nollert, Founder of Sedivention.
A prototype has already been developed and successfully tested for safety and efficacy. Sedivention will use the capital raised to advance product development and preclinical testing.
"We believe in the idea and approach of Sedivention’s novel therapy and are excited to support the company in its next steps", Dr. Jan Engels, Investment Manager at HTGF.
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