Serena Ventures-Backed Health Tech Receives FDA Approval for At-Home Cervical Cancer Test

FDA Approves First At-Home Cervical Cancer Screening Device

A groundbreaking development has occurred as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has recently authorized the first device enabling individuals to perform cervical cancer screenings in the comfort of their own homes.

This innovative device, called the Teal Wand and developed by Teal Health, is a prescription-based tool. It empowers patients to independently gather samples and submit them to a laboratory for analysis, yielding results comparable to those obtained during a traditional clinical visit.

Teal Health's Funding and Mission

Teal Health secured a $10 million seed extension round in January, increasing their total funding to $23 million. This funding round saw participation from investors including Serena Ventures, Chelsea Clinton, Emerson Collective, and Forerunner, as previously reported by TechCrunch.

The device is designed to address the anxiety and discomfort many individuals experience when undergoing cervical cancer screenings, commonly known as Pap smears.

According to Kara Egan, co-founder and CEO, “Cervical cancer screenings represent a crucial initial step in a woman’s healthcare journey.” She further noted that “over 25% of women are currently overdue for this potentially life-saving screening.”

The Impact of Screening and Prevention

The American Cancer Society highlights that cervical cancer was once a prevalent form of cancer among women. However, increased screening rates and preventative measures have contributed to a significant decline in its incidence.

The Wand Kit will provide the necessary collection device alongside virtual consultations with healthcare professionals. These providers will then review the laboratory findings with each patient.

Initial availability of the kits is scheduled for June, beginning in the state of California.

Key benefits of the Teal Wand include increased accessibility and convenience for cervical cancer screening.

Here's a summary of the key features:

• Self-Collection: Patients can collect samples themselves.
• Lab Analysis: Samples are sent to a lab for accurate testing.
• Virtual Access: Patients receive virtual consultations with medical providers.
• Early Detection: Aims to improve screening rates and early detection of cervical cancer.