In the ever-evolving field of health and wellness, the journeys of startups are as varied as the challenges they tackle. Navigating this complex landscape demands a blend of vision, adaptability, and breakthrough innovation.

This time, we are spotlighting three remarkable companies from our GSA Star Network: Acorai, Nanordica Medical, and Maolac.

These startups are transforming the future of healthcare through pioneering solutions in cardiac care, wound healing, and functional nutrition. Their dedication to advancing patient care and well-being demonstrates how commitment to technology and impact can drive meaningful, lasting change in the industry.

ACORAI: ADVANCES IN NON-INVASIVE HEART FAILURE MANAGEMENT WITH MAJOR MILESTONE

In a landmark development, Acorai is a leading innovator in non-invasive cardiovascular technology and has recently completed patient enrollment for its CAPTURE-HF study.

With 1,600 patients enrolled across 20 clinical sites in six countries, the study represents a critical advancement in heart failure management. Designed to validate Acorai’s non-invasive cardiac and pulmonary sensing device, CAPTURE-HF aims to enable clinicians to gather reliable and actionable insights into patients’ cardiac health, supporting better outcomes in heart failure management.

The CAPTURE-HF study, launched in phases, enrolled 1,300 patients in Phase 1 to refine the product and over 300 patients in Phase 2 for validation. More than half of the study’s participants were recruited from the U.S., underscoring the study's international scope. The device's performance will be measured against the right heart catheterization gold standard, a rigorous comparison to validate its accuracy and clinical value.

A Vision for Transformative Heart Failure Care

This milestone represents a significant step in Acorai’s commitment to addressing unmet needs in cardiology. "Completing enrollment in the CAPTURE-HF study is a pivotal achievement in our mission to transform heart failure management,” said Filip Peters, CEO of Acorai. “Our goal is to equip clinicians with crucial non-invasive data that is both reliable and actionable, helping to fill a large gap in heart failure patient care.” With their innovative approach, Acorai aims to make non-invasive cardiovascular insights accessible to clinicians worldwide, reshaping how heart failure is managed at the point of care.

Next Steps and Global Impact

The CAPTURE-HF study results are expected in early 2025, setting the stage for regulatory submissions in the U.S. and Europe. These findings will also inform future enhancements to Acorai’s device, laying the groundwork for continued innovation in non-invasive cardiac technology. As Dr. Andrew J. Sauer, Associate Director at St. Luke’s Kansas City, noted, “CAPTURE-HF represents the largest international effort to compare non-invasive hemodynamic measures with gold standard techniques. We are proud to see Acorai reach this momentous milestone for the benefit of advancing cardiac care.”

Acorai has been a distinguished member of the Global Startup Awards community, celebrated as a finalist in the Best HealthTech Startup category at the 2021 and 2023 Nordic Startup Awards. The company’s progress exemplifies the spirit of GSA’s mission to highlight startups pushing the boundaries of innovation in healthcare. The CAPTURE-HF study’s successful enrollment completion reflects Acorai’s dedication to groundbreaking health technologies and sets a new standard in cardiac care innovation.

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Acorai

NANORDICA MEDICAL: TRANSFORMING WOUND CARE WITH ADVANCED NANOTECHNOLOGY

In May 2024, Nanordica Medical, an Estonian MedTech innovator, made a significant stride in advanced wound care with the successful funding of €1.75 million. Led by Specialist VC with contributions from Superangel and Amalfi, this investment will support Nanordica’s journey to finalize regulatory approvals, conduct multicenter clinical trials, and prepare their next-generation wound care solution for market entry. At the heart of their technology is the Premotiv™ nanotechnology, a unique combination of copper and silver nanoparticles that offers antibacterial efficacy up to eight times greater than traditional wound dressings. This pioneering solution is designed to address infections and support healing, providing safe and effective wound care for patients with chronic wounds.

Not only does Nanordica’s Premotiv™ technology set a new benchmark in infection prevention, but it also enhances wound healing, a critical factor for the millions suffering from conditions like diabetic foot ulcers, venous leg ulcers, and pressure ulcers. This innovation holds the promise of improving patient outcomes while reducing healthcare costs, especially in complex cases of chronic wound management.

A VISION FOR IMPROVED HEALTH OUTCOMES

Nanordica Medical’s mission is to elevate wound care standards and offer a solution for the 100 million people worldwide who suffer from chronic wounds. “Our goal is to bring high-impact wound care to those who need it most by delivering technology that supports healing and prevents infection,” stated the CEO. With a firm commitment to improving quality of life for patients, Nanordica continues to innovate, aligning its solutions with unmet needs in the healthcare sector.

LOOKING AHEAD: CLINICAL EXPANSION AND MARKET LAUNCH

As they advance, Nanordica Medical is poised to begin a multicenter study with 170 patients suffering from diabetic foot ulcers in the second quarter of 2024. This study will validate the effectiveness of Premotiv™ and further establish its role in clinical care, positioning Nanordica to secure treatment guidelines and reimbursement options. In addition to human applications, Nanordica launched its veterinary wound care product, Ravimus Vet, in 2023, and is on track to introduce their human-use product in 2025.

INNOVATION IN THE GSA STAR NETWORK

Nanordica Medical’s commitment to enhancing healthcare through nanotechnology reflects the impact and drive seen throughout the GSA Star Network. Their journey to develop life-changing wound care solutions highlights the role of innovation in meeting global health challenges and setting new standards in patient care.

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Nanordica

MAOLAC: TRANSFORMING NUTRITION WITH BIO-FUNCTIONAL PROTEINS INSPIRED BY BREAST MILK

In September 2023, Maolac, a pioneering Israeli biotech startup, introduced two breakthrough products with the name Maolactin for Gut Support and Maolactin for Anti-Inflammatory Activity. These bio-functional protein blends are crafted to be easily incorporated into health-oriented foods, like functional beverages, sports bars, and smoothies, offering consumers versatile options to enhance their wellness routines. Maolac’s unique approach combines the best of nature with science, setting new standards in functional nutrition and health improvement.

Technological Advancements and Sustainability

Maolac’s innovation is driven by its proprietary algorithm, which combines computational biology and artificial intelligence to mimic the composition of human breast milk proteins using upcycled bovine colostrum. Remarkably, bovine colostrum shares over 95% protein similarity with human breast milk, enabling Maolac to develop sustainable and effective protein blends. This approach not only provides the nutritional potency of breast milk but also aligns with sustainable practices by utilizing dairy byproducts in an impactful way.

Recognition in the Industry

In May 2024, Maolac was awarded the prestigious NutraIngredients Start-up Award, a testament to its groundbreaking approach in nutraceuticals. By harnessing the benefits of breast milk proteins for adults, Maolac has distinguished itself in the crowded health and wellness market, earning recognition for its innovative solutions to common health challenges like inflammation and digestive issues.

Looking Ahead: Funding and Future Growth

In July 2022, Maolac secured $3.2 million in seed funding led by OurCrowd, with backing from The Kitchen FoodTech Hub, The Food Tech Lab, and others. This funding has enabled Maolac to expand its research, build a production facility, and scale its product offerings, bringing its vision of accessible, health-enhancing proteins closer to consumers worldwide.

A Vision for the Future of Nutrition

Maolac’s mission is to set a new benchmark in nutrition by blending the science of breast milk proteins with sustainable technology to support optimal human health. By delivering bio-functional proteins that align with personalized health needs, Maolac is helping shape the future of nutrition, offering unique, science-backed solutions that cater to evolving consumer demands in the nutraceutical industry.