Eindhoven-based Salvia Bioelectronics has successfully closed a Series B funding round of 60 million dollars to bring its migraine therapy to market. This sizable investment will enable the startup to complete the clinical development phase and prepare for the commercial launch in the US, Europe and Australia. The funding round was led by Innovation Industries, with participation from Invest-NL, the EIC Fund, My Global Family Office (MGFO) and existing investors including Inkef, Panakès Partners, SHS Capital, Dolby Family Ventures, Brabant Development Agency (BOM) and Thuja Capital.
The Mysalvia Therapy solution consists of two implants made from an ultra-thin, flexible foil. One end contains the control mechanism, while at the other end, electrodes stimulate the relevant nerves. The two strips are implanted through a relatively minor surgical procedure: a small incision is made along the hairline above the ear, allowing the strips to be inserted. One strip is guided toward the nerves in the forehead, while the other is directed to nerve pathways at the back of the head. The control mechanism is located above the ear, invisible from the outside.
Twice a day, the patient places an external device over the implanted control mechanism to briefly stimulate the nerve pathways. The relaxation brought by this “neuromodulation” helps the nerves better process stimuli, which is meant to prevent migraine attacks. If a patient notices early warning signs, such as flashes of light or an aura, they can use the device immediately to attempt to stop the attack before it fully develops.
“With the support of this strong syndicate of investors, we can make Mysalvia Therapy available to patients who are in urgent need of new treatment options,” explains Salvia founder and CEO Hubert Martens. “Chronic migraine isn’t ‘just a headache.’ It’s a debilitating neurological disorder that pushes people out of their social life, work and daily functioning. Our mission is to restore their freedom.” Caaj Greebe, partner at Innovation Industries, adds: “Salvia is redefining the migraine treatment landscape with a bold, patient-centered approach that combines advanced neuromodulation with an elegant, minimally invasive design.”
