ASPIVIX announced its collaboration with Bayer Switzerland to enhance women’s healthcare. This partnership aims to introduce Carevix™, a CE-marked and FDA-cleared cervical stabilizer designed to transform gynaecological procedures, reducing pain and bleeding during transcervical interventions like IUD placement. To delve deeper into this groundbreaking venture, we sat down with ASPIVIX CEO, Mathieu Horras, to learn more about their journey and vision for revolutionizing women's healthcare.
Q: Introduce yourself and tell us more about your current position and company.
Mathieu: I’m Mathieu Horras, CEO of Aspivix. At Aspivix, we're passionate about revolutionizing women's healthcare with innovative solutions that make procedures in gynaecology and fertility gentler and safer.
Our flagship product, Carevix, is the world's first non-traumatic cervical stabilizer, offering relief from pain and bleeding in gynaecological and fertility procedures. With a background in engineering and an MBA from INSEAD, I'm driven by a desire to make a difference in women's health. It became possible thanks to my two co-founders, Julien Finci, and Dr. David Finci, with whom we share indefectible values and a mission-driven mindset. Together, we're making strides in innovation and research to benefit patients and healthcare providers alike.
Q: What keeps you up at night?
Mathieu: As CEO of Aspivix, several things occupy my mind and keep me focused on our mission. Firstly, I am always mindful of the evolving landscape we operate. Identifying new growth opportunities is essential for our success. Lastly, I prioritize the well-being of our team and stakeholders, fostering a supportive environment where everyone feels valued and empowered.
Q: Tell us about your product. What problem is it solving and what makes your solution unique?
Mathieu: Carevix, the world's first clinically proven cervical stabilizer, revolutionizes gynaecological and fertility procedures with its innovative soft suction technology. By replacing traditional traumatic tenaculum forceps, Carevix offers a gentler and safer alternative, significantly reducing pain and bleeding (73% and 78% reduction, respectively) during transcervical interventions. This groundbreaking device addresses the dual challenges of patient discomfort and complications associated with traditional methods, empowering women to opt for efficient contraceptive solutions like IUDs, thus reducing the burden of unintended pregnancies. Published in reputable American medical journals, the results of randomized controlled trials conducted in Switzerland validate Carevix's effectiveness and safety, positioning it as a trusted solution in women's healthcare. With its unique approach and proven outcomes, Carevix represents a significant advancement in the field, poised to become the standard of care for the millions of women undergoing gynaecological and fertility procedures annually.
Q: How did you start your journey and where are you now on the road to achieve your ambition?
Mathieu: Aspivix, named after the ASPIration for better treatment of the cerVIX (ASPI-VIX), began its journey with a commitment to addressing unmet needs in women's healthcare. Recognizing the challenges and discomfort faced by women during gynaecological procedures, we embarked on a path of innovation, research, and development to create Carevix—the first non-traumatic cervical stabilizer.
Through collaboration with medical experts and rigorous testing, Carevix has become a marketed product, offering a gentler and safer alternative for transcervical procedures worldwide. Clinically proven, FDA-cleared, and CE-marked, Carevix has garnered recognition from healthcare professionals and patients alike. Our partnership with Bayer in Switzerland underscores our shared ambition to improve women’s healthcare. Looking ahead, we remain committed to advancing innovation and making a lasting difference in women’s lives.
Q: Can you share a story of a client using your product/service and what influence it had on them?
Mathieu: Let me share a real story that exemplifies the impact of our product, Carevix, on patients' lives. We'll call her Emily (name changed for privacy reasons), a woman who resides in Philadelphia, who had a challenging experience with IUD insertion back in 2017 at the age of 24. The procedure was extremely painful, resulting in significant bleeding and even fainting. Fast forward to 2023, when Emily needed to change her IUD. Her gynaecologist in Tennessee suggested abstinence as a solution, dismissing her concerns. After a month of trying birth control pills, Emily ended up in the emergency room with blood clots. Feeling lost and overwhelmed, she found us in September 2023 and reached out to inquire about where she could access Carevix. She scheduled an appointment at Columbia Hospital in New York City.
Emily's journey from Philadelphia to Columbia Hospital showcases the lengths patients are willing to go for a better experience. Emily's story highlights the transformative impact of Carevix, empowering patients to seek out better options for their reproductive health and ultimately improving their quality of life. We are honored to have played a part in Emily's journey and remain committed to making a positive difference in the lives of women everywhere.
Q: What is your company’s biggest achievement to date?
Mathieu: The successful introduction of Carevix into the market marks a significant achievement in women's healthcare. Representing a groundbreaking advancement, Carevix offers a non-traumatic cervical stabilizer that notably reduces pain and bleeding during transcervical procedures. Its market availability is the result of years of dedicated innovation and collaboration within our team, reflecting our unwavering commitment to improving patient outcomes. Beyond its clinical effectiveness, Carevix has earned recognition from healthcare professionals and the scientific community, evidenced by our upcoming presentation at the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology annual congress. Patient testimonials and partnerships with industry leaders like Bayer further highlight Carevix's value and potential in the healthcare market. These achievements inspire us to continue our mission of revolutionizing women's healthcare.
Q: What was the tipping point that made you a doer and impacted your vision?
Mathieu: It was a culmination of several decisive elements that shaped my journey. Firstly, my wife's role as a midwife has been a constant source of inspiration, highlighting the importance of addressing healthcare challenges and fueling my determination to make a difference. Secondly, the shared vision with my co-founders has propelled me into action, emphasizing the transformative power of collaboration and innovation. Lastly, my MBA experience provided a pivotal moment for career redirection, connecting me with like-minded individuals committed to positive impact. These elements have driven me to pursue our collective mission with zeal and determination.
Q: How do you see your company making a difference in the future?
Mathieu: In the future, Aspivix will continue advancing innovation in women's healthcare, ensuring our products remain cutting-edge to improve patient outcomes globally. We'll focus on enhancing accessibility and forging partnerships to reach patients. Through education, we'll empower both healthcare providers and patients, fostering informed decision-making and ensuring quality care for all.
Q: How is the current situation impacting your business? What is your company’s immediate response to the situation? What are the alternatives (products, services) you are now thinking about?
Mathieu: At every stage of our venture, challenges arise, but we've consistently triumphed by assembling a top-notch team of employees, investors, partners, and board members. Their expertise and support have guided us through uncertainty, making us stronger. Moving forward, we're confident in our ability to tackle whatever comes our way. Furthermore, reaching the paid customer stage emphasizes the need for a comprehensive understanding of the landscape, enabling us to navigate market complexities with precision, capitalize on opportunities, and mitigate risks effectively.
Q: How have you benefitted from the Tech Tour events and activities? What do you consider is the best asset of Tech Tour’s activities?
Mathieu: Participating in Tech Tour events and activities has been instrumental in our journey. One of the most significant benefits we've experienced is the opportunity to connect with potential investors and partners who share our vision for innovation in women's healthcare. In fact, for Aspivix, it all started at a Tech Tour event where we met our very first investor, a Swiss fund that has continuously supported the company since then.
Tech Tour has played a vital role in accelerating our journey and facilitating connections that have helped us advance our mission of revolutionizing women's healthcare.
To meet more great companies in the health tech sector join us at Tech Tour Growth Health for the 15th edition of the leading health tech event in Europe on 9-11 September 2024 in Lausanne, Switzerland!
