Phagenesis is a technology company.
Phagenesis has raised $42.0M across 1 funding round.
Phagenesis has raised $42.0M in total across 1 funding round.
Phagenesis has raised $42.0M in total across 1 funding round.
Phagenesis's investors include BOM Brabant Ventures, EQT Life Sciences.
Phagenesis is a UK-based MedTech company developing the Phagenyx® Neuromodulation System, a non-surgical neurostimulation therapy using pharyngeal electrical stimulation (PES) to restore swallowing control in patients with neurogenic dysphagia, primarily caused by stroke or prolonged mechanical ventilation.[1][2][3][5] It serves healthcare providers treating critically ill patients, solving the problem of disrupted neurological swallowing coordination that leads to prolonged hospital stays, aspiration risks, and higher care costs by enabling faster recovery, oral nutrition return, and reduced length of stay—backed by 25 years of research, 9 trials, and 30+ publications.[2][3][5] The company raised $42M in a Series D round in March 2024, led by EQT Life Sciences and Sectoral Asset Management, to fuel US commercialization post-FDA approval, European expansion, and pipeline development, signaling strong growth momentum under new CEO Chad Hoskins.[3][4]
Phagenesis was co-founded in 2007 by Professor Shaheen Hamdy, MB ChB, PhD, FRCP from the University of Manchester, and Dr. Conor Mulrooney, building on over 20-25 years of Hamdy's pioneering research into the brain-to-swallow neural connection.[1][2][3] The idea emerged from Hamdy's work on pharyngeal electrical stimulation (PES) to treat dysphagia, a condition affecting swallowing safety post-brain injury or ventilation.[5] Early traction came from rigorous clinical trials demonstrating restored neural pathways, with pivotal US FDA approval enabling broader adoption; the company evolved from research spinout to commercial stage, now led by CEO Reinhard Krickl (previously) and recently Chad Hoskins for US scaling.[1][3][4]
Phagenesis rides the neurorehabilitation wave in MedTech, targeting dysphagia—affects millions post-stroke (795K US cases/year, many with persistent issues)—amid rising demand for neuromodulation devices that address root causes rather than symptoms.[3][5] Timing aligns with aging populations, post-COVID ventilation complications, and value-based care emphasizing cost reductions via shorter stays, as Phagenyx® demonstrates per EQT's health economics focus.[1][3] Market forces like FDA approval and investor syndicates (EQT, Sectoral) favor it, influencing ecosystems by enabling SLPs and hospitals to offer evidence-based, early interventions that accelerate recovery and lower burdens on systems strained by chronic conditions.[2][4]
Phagenesis is poised to dominate neurogenic dysphagia treatment, with US commercialization ramping under Hoskins' leadership, pipeline R&D, and clinician adoption driving scale.[3][4] Trends like AI-enhanced neuromodulation and personalized rehab will amplify its edge, potentially expanding to broader neuro conditions. Its influence may evolve from niche innovator to standard-of-care provider, transforming lives for stroke survivors and cutting global healthcare costs—echoing its founding mission to restore swallowing worldwide.[1][2]
Phagenesis has raised $42.0M across 1 funding round. Most recently, it raised $42.0M Series D in March 2024.
| Date | Round | Lead Investors | Other Investors |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mar 1, 2024 | $42.0M Series D | BOM Brabant Ventures, EQT Life Sciences |