Flowbone SA concludes a CHF 2.1 million Seed round

The EPFL spin-off, active in the field of bone regeneration, prepares its US market entry.

“With aging population, fractures resulting from osteoporosis will significantly increase. Since current osteoporosis drugs have only limited efficacy in the hip region, there is an urgent need for a complimentary, local, and simple procedure to build up bone mass to resist breaking. This is why I am excited to back the talented and experienced flowbone’s team on their mission to reduce the incidence of osteoporotic hip fractures thanks to their breakthrough nanotechnology”, explains Gaëtan Marti, serial entrepreneur and one of the business angels supporting flowbone.

Founded by Dr Ulrike Kettenberger, Prof Dominique Pioletti, and Dr Régis Gauderon in July 2020, flowbone leverages regenerative nanomedicine to transform the care of millions of patients with bone diseases and disorders, such as osteoporosis. Their platform technology is based on a hydrogel matrix incorporating few percent of mineral nanoparticles, made of one of the main ingredients of natural bone. The nano-biomaterial, that can easily be injected percutaneously into weakened bone tissue, stimulates the body’s natural ossification process. Within weeks, native bone is repaired and strengthened; no residues of the injected material are left behind.

Currently, flowbone is transferring its technology to a first commercial product for bone repair. The company will target the treatment of bone marrow lesions, a condition associated with knee osteoarthritis. The goals consist of stopping pain, slowing down the progression of the disease, and preserving joints.

This CHF 2.1 million seed round will enable the company to prepare its US market entry, including FDA clearance for a first bone repair product, and to continue its pre-clinical developments for the strengthening of osteoporotic bone.

In addition, flowbone benefits from non-equity-based grants and awards, totaling CHF 2.2 million. The latest award received is the Healthy Longevity 2022 QuickFire Challenge from the National Academy of Medicine, which includes grant funding and access to mentorship from experts across the Johnson & Johnson Family of Companies.