In October, Hologic, a large women’s health medtech company and active acquirer, announced a definitive agreement to buy Gynesonics, a medical device company treating uterine fibroids and abnormal uterine bleeding. The acquisition is valued at approximately $350 million. Gynesonics’ primary medical product is the Sonata System, used for diagnostic intrauterine imaging and treatment of uterine fibroids, including those associated with heavy menstrual bleeding. The Sonata System combines real-time intrauterine ultrasound guidance with targeted radiofrequency ablation to remove fibroids without invasive surgery.
Abnormal or dysfunctional uterine bleeding (AUB and DUB) is surprisingly common, accounting for 5% of emergency department visits and occurring in 20-30% of women. AUB is more common during perimenopause due to hormonal fluctuations, with up to 30% of women experiencing such irregularities. Fibroids, a condition when non-cancerous growths develop inside and outside of the uterus, can also result in heavy bleeding.
Although AUB impacts a significant number of women, heavy menstrual bleeding has been culturally normalized and therefore not adequately addressed. The current standard in care for AUB often includes hormonal medications, or surgical options such as a hysteroscopy and hysterectomy (a procedure to remove the uterus) or uterine ablations (a minimally invasive surgical procedure that destroys the lining of the uterus to treat abnormal uterine bleeding).
The Sonata System, by Gynesonics, is an example of an innovative, less invasive, approach to treating uterine fibroids and heavy menstrual bleeding. The rise of other early-stage companies developing products that address this underserved yet common indication exemplifies the growing recognition that women’s health merits investment.
Here are some emerging players that aim to replace hysterectomies, for the treatment of AUB and uterine fibroids, by providing less invasive solutions:
OCON Therapeutics, Series A - Intrauterine drug delivery system with their AUB Seed product, which is a non-hormonal treatment for AUB.
Avana Health, Series A - Women’s healthcare company focused on treating AUB and postpartum hemorrhage (PPH). Their treatment plan for AUB uses a combination of drug and device.
HerMD (Amboy Street Portfolio Company), Series A - Brick and mortar menopause clinics implementing innovative technology including the Sonata System for the treatment of uterine fibroids.
Hologic's acquisition of Gynesonics marks a pivotal moment in the advancement of women's health, particularly in addressing often-overlooked conditions. As the medical field continues to innovate, women will benefit from more effective, less disruptive treatments, improving quality of life and empowering women to take control of their health.
