The NLC Health Impact Fund

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.

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.

Nicolab tackles the challenge of stroke diagnosis and treatment by offering computational support through their portfolio of six algorithms. These algorithms analyze radiological images of acute stroke patients, providing fast and objective interpretation for physicians. With stroke affecting millions annually and significant economic burdens, Nicolab's solution improves decision-making speed and accuracy, allowing clinicians to assess stroke severity objectively and make timely treatment decisions.

Implant Preservation Devices has developed a handheld device to tackle a common problem after joint replacement surgeries prosthetic joint infections (PJI). This device applies heat to implants using induction, effectively targeting and eliminating bacteria that cause these infections. By reducing the risk of recurrent infections, it offers a quick, sterile, and convenient treatment option during surgery, potentially benefiting patients beyond just those undergoing joint replacements.

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.

Scinvivo introduces a solution for bladder cancer diagnosis with its imaging catheter, providing real-time, cross-sectional tissue images. Traditional methods often lead to unnecessary surgeries and missed tumors. By utilizing Optical Coherence Tomography technology, Scinvivo's catheter offers high-resolution imaging, enabling urologists to accurately diagnose bladder conditions. This approach reduces unnecessary surgeries but also enhances diagnostic accuracy, improving patient outcomes.

Laparoscopic surgery, while effective, faces limitations in low-resource areas due to cost and sustainability concerns associated with CO2 insufflation. Gasless laparoscopy provides an alternative, that are costly and difficult to use. To address these challenges, LORESA has developed an affordable and user-friendly gasless laparoscopy retractor, designed with input from surgeons worldwide, offering improved usability and cost-effectiveness. This innovation, aims to democratize laparoscopic techniques, benefiting rural hospitals and developing communities.

Introducing Liftya, a solution for shoulder instability. Developed with a patented spherical hinge mechanism, Liftya mimics the natural shoulder joint movement, offering stability and full range of motion. Unlike traditional braces, Liftya promotes motor recovery and independence, reducing pain and healthcare costs for patients.