2024-08-23 09:30:11
A young Montpellier start-up, Womed has been working since 2018 on the development of innovative treatments to treat uterine pathologies. Using a biocompatible and biodegradable polymer, it promises women to regain their fertility.
In 2013, several researchers, including Dr. Stéphanie Huberlant, a gynecologist at the Nîmes University Hospital, completed a thesis in Professor Garric’s biopolymer laboratory at the University of Montpellier. She was interested in synechiae, a pathology resulting from trauma to the uterus (during curettage following a miscarriage or an abortion, for example) which causes the internal walls of the uterus to stick together. This has significant consequences on women’s fertility: they are more at risk of having miscarriages and have more difficulty becoming pregnant. During her thesis, Dr. Stéphanie Huberlant developed a biopolymer that acts as a bandage after a surgical procedure.
In 2018, Gonzague Issenmann, a health technology entrepreneur, discovered this innovation and decided to turn it into a company, called Womed. “In 2019, we launched a first study on women from different countries in Europe (France, the Netherlands and Belgium) to ensure that the device is safe and that it does not cause adverse reactions.”explains Pauline Chirouze, Director of Clinical Affairs at Womed. A year later, the medical device, called Womed Leaf, received the CE medical marking, which corresponds to the marketing authorization. From that date, it began to be used in certain hospitals. “In 2021, we are starting a second randomized clinical study to demonstrate the efficacy of our product. 160 patients in Europe and China participated in the study until November 2023. Our results have just been published in a scientific journal.”says Pauline Chirouze. This treatment is aimed at women who plan to have an aspiration after an abortion or miscarriage, or intrauterine surgery and helps prevent the development of adhesions. Today the company is based in Montpellier and brings together around ten people, who work mainly on R&D.
A biocompatible polymer
The Women leaf device is composed of a 0.5 mm thick polylactic acid (PLA) and polyethylene oxide membrane. “These are two polymers known to be biocompatible. The innovation lies in the chemistry between the two: they need to be given swelling properties, a mechanical structure and a degradation capacity.”explains Pauline Chirouze. This sheet is folded to enter a tube which will allow its insertion via the patient’s cervix, as is done with an IUD. “As soon as the device comes into contact with the fluids of the uterus, it unfolds like a sponge to fit the shape of the cavity. This prevents the walls from coming into contact during the healing phase and forming synechiae. It remains in place for about a week before being hydrolyzed and fragmented. It is then evacuated naturally in the vaginal discharge.”explains Pauline Chirouze.
Targeted treatments
“We know how to produce a polymer that can remain in the uterus for a while before being eliminated. We could therefore use it to deliver medication directly into the uterus and treat pathologies such as fibroids, for example.”adds the gynecologist. The start-up is working on these themes and is creating a new form of polymer capable of local delivery, in particular to reduce bleeding caused by fibroids. “In the long term, we plan to tackle the pain associated with endometriosis. A polymer could locally deliver a drug to relieve this pain.”concludes Pauline Chirouze.
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