The NLC Health Impact Fund

OCCLUNOVA introduces a novel solution for chronic atrial fibrillation (AF), a condition affecting millions worldwide where the heart's upper chambers beat irregularly. Their implantable device aims to prevent strokes associated with AF by sealing off the left atrial appendage (LAA), where blood clots often form. Unlike traditional methods, which can cause complications due to their rigid frame, OccluNova's design uses a flexible balloon to fully seal the LAA. This innovative approach minimizes risks like pericardial effusions and incomplete closure, offering a safer option for AF patients.

PEP Health addresses the complexity of monitoring healthcare quality by offering a platform that tackles key challenges in quality assessment. By combining multiple sources of patient feedback, including social media, PEP provides near real-time assessments of quality for hospitals and departments. This approach reduces costs, improves timeliness, and enhances trustworthiness compared to traditional methods. With potential customers ranging from healthcare providers to patient organizations, PEP's underlying algorithm has been validated across industries, including higher education.

Spinal cord Injury represents a large unmet medical need with approximately 1.2M new cases per year resulting mainly from motor vehicle accidents, falls and water related accidents. Currently available treatments only offer symptomatic relief but do not target the underlying pathophysiologic changes. The spinal cord injury market is predicted to reach US$3B by 2025. MLP-1236 is a First in class dual inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) 9 and MMP 12 and has already completed Phase 1 and Phase 2a clinical studies. In preclinical models, MLP-1236 was effective in preventing/reversing the neurodegeneration associated with spinal cord injury and ischemic stroke.

NLC's venture, Profionics, advances Cardiff University's sepsis research with a biomarker test combining AI, gene expression, and metabolic analysis for rapid, accurate diagnosis. This test, which works in under 30 minutes with a drop of blood, surpasses traditional methods by quickly identifying those needing antibiotics and reducing unnecessary use, thus combating antimicrobial resistance and saving lives. Particularly impactful in neonatal care, it ensures timely detection critical for newborn survival. Founded by NLC, Cardiff University, and CEO Darren Fergus, Profionics leverages extensive research and a blood sample BioBank, positioning itself as a leader in host response diagnostic testing.

Ecomedic is dedicated to helping hospitals reduce their carbon footprint, addressing the healthcare sector's contribution to global emissions. Ecomedic's database and software tools enable environmental impact analyses, identify sources of emissions and measures the effect of alternative solutions. By providing insights and solutions, the institutions are supported in achieving their carbon neutrality goals and reducing operational costs.

ChARM, or the Children’s Automated Respiration Monitor, addresses the challenge of pneumonia misdiagnosis in low-resource settings. This battery-powered device provides accurate breathing rate monitoring for children under five, empowering healthcare workers to make correct diagnoses swiftly. By streamlining the diagnostic process, ChARM facilitates timely treatment, potentially saving thousands of young lives annually.

Wavefront is revolutionizing live-cell imaging with their AI-driven computational microscope, offering a stain-free imaging technique powered by patented quantitative-phase-imaging (QPI) technology. This approach eliminates the need for costly and invasive chemical staining, preserving cell integrity with real-time visualization of cellular structures with precision and detail. Wavefront's innovative solution has transformative potential research across diverse fields, from cancer research to clinical diagnostics.

SERDA presents a solution for wound debridement, particularly useful for burn wounds and chronic wounds like diabetic foot ulcers. Traditional debridement methods can be expensive, painful, or less effective. SERDA offers an enzymatic debrider in the form of a hydrogel that selectively breaks down necrotic tissue, leaving healthy tissue intact, promoting faster healing with minimal discomfort for the patient. SERDA aims to improve the efficiency and ease of wound care, providing a more effective alternative to existing options.