Teal Health Secures $10M Funding for Innovative At-Home Cervical Cancer Screening Solutions
Cervical cancer screening can often feel daunting for many women, with the uncomfortable procedures and clinical settings contributing to anxiety. Recognizing the need for a more comfortable and accessible solution, Kara Egan and Dr. Avnesh Thakor launched Teal Health in 2020. This innovative company aims to revolutionize women’s health by developing an at-home cervical cancer screening kit that is currently awaiting FDA approval.
Teal Health: Pioneering At-Home Cervical Cancer Screenings
Teal Health emerged from stealth mode in January 2023, and by November of the same year, they had commenced clinical trials. The company has garnered significant investor interest, recently announcing a $10 million seed extension led by Emerson Collective and Forerunner, bringing their total funding to $23 million. Notable investors include Serena Ventures and Chelsea Clinton.
The Importance of Cervical Cancer Screenings
As Egan, co-founder and CEO, highlighted in her interview with TechCrunch, “Cervical cancer screenings are the most important and often the entry point to a women’s health relationship.” Alarmingly, more than 1 in 4 women are currently overdue for this life-saving screening.
Introducing the Teal Wand
Pending FDA approval, Teal Health plans to launch the Teal Wand for at-home cervical cancer screenings. The process will be straightforward:
- Request an at-home collection kit.
- Participate in a telehealth consultation.
- Use the Teal Wand to collect vaginal samples.
- Seal and return the sample to a Teal-approved lab.
“Teal support is available to ensure we answer any questions you have along the way,” Egan reassured.
Addressing Cervical Cancer Trends
According to the American Cancer Society, cervical cancer was once among the leading causes of cancer mortality in women. Increased awareness and screening have contributed to significant declines, though recent stabilization in these rates suggests that many women are still neglecting necessary preventive measures.
Meeting Women’s Health Needs
Egan acknowledged the challenges women face in maintaining regular health screenings. “Women want to stay up on their health screening, but they are balancing a lot,” she stated. The growing interest in funding women’s health initiatives is timely, and Egan found her fundraising journey to be “energizing.”
Future Plans for Teal Health
The new funding will facilitate the launch of the Teal Wand and enhance the company’s telehealth platform, patient portal, educational materials, and customer service resources. “We’ve focused on our plans for scaling across the U.S.,” Egan explained.
While there are numerous companies in the women’s health sector, Teal Health stands out by offering an at-home option for cervical cancer screening. Egan emphasized that their main competition includes traditional OB/GYN visits. By providing a more comfortable alternative, Teal Health hopes to increase participation in screenings.
Working Towards a Healthier Future
“The standard care is no longer working for women, as evidenced by declining screening rates and increasing cancer diagnoses,” Egan noted. By making cervical cancer screenings more accessible, comfortable, and convenient, Teal Health aims to boost screening rates and ultimately contribute to the elimination of cervical cancer in the U.S.
For those interested in learning more about women’s health and preventive measures, consider visiting our women’s health resources.
