Funding Secured for Innovative Obesity Treatment
In a significant boost for the health tech industry, Sedivention, a medtech startup based in Germany, has successfully raised €2.9 million in seed funding. The funding round, led by bmp Ventures and IBG Funds, attracted a variety of investors, including High-Tech Gründerfonds and unnamed superangels, along with a strategic investor from a global medtech company.
Disrupting the Weight-Loss Market
Founded in 2021 by Dr. Ute Nollert and Dr. Andreas Bröcker, Sedivention aims to create a minimally invasive, one-time treatment for obesity, positioning itself as an alternative to the increasingly popular weight-loss drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy. These drugs have seen global sales exceeding $4.5 billion, potentially rising to $38 billion in the next decade. However, they come with high costs and side effects that can deter patients.
The novel approach developed by Sedivention involves a cryo balloon catheter that utilizes cryoablation to disrupt the hunger-related branches of the vagus nerve. This method is designed to reset the brain signals associated with chronic overeating, offering a solution that contrasts sharply with traditional bariatric surgery and long-term drug regimens.
Market Potential and Future Plans
According to Bröcker, “Our technology is designed for international scalability and addresses an untapped market with significant growth potential.” The company believes that its treatment could redefine the obesity care landscape by providing a cost-effective and accessible solution.
Notably, while large companies like Medtronic and Abbott are also exploring neuromodulation for obesity treatment, Sedivention distinguishes itself by offering a single outpatient procedure, eliminating the need for ongoing prescriptions or invasive surgery. Dr. Jan Engels, senior investment manager at HTGF, emphasized that Sedivention combines medical evidence with a scalable approach to tackling a globally relevant issue.
The funding will support product development and the collection of early clinical data as Sedivention prepares to enter the market. Ultimately, the startup aims to replace invasive bariatric surgeries with outpatient treatments, making effective obesity care more widely available.
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