Women’s health startup Elle, MD Biotechnologies secured C$1.1 million in pre-seed financing to support human clinical studies of its non-hormonal vaginal birth control ring. Bringing total funding to C$2.5 million, the round included participation from H Venture Partners, Invest Nova Scotia, and physician Robin LeBlanc, among others.
Designed as an alternative to hormone-based contraceptives, the company’s Livv ring uses copper—the same contraceptive material found in many IUDs—to prevent fertilization without synthetic hormones. Inserted monthly at home, the ring aims to eliminate the daily adherence required by oral contraceptives while avoiding the in-office procedure associated with IUD placement.
Without hormones, Livv is designed to reduce side effects commonly associated with hormonal birth control, including weight gain, nausea, and mood shifts.
“This financing represents a significant milestone for our company and validates the growing demand for non-hormonal contraceptive innovation,” said Elle, MD founder and CEO Dr. Jennifer Johnston. “We’re excited to advance toward human studies and bring women a highly effective contraception option that doesn’t require hormones, procedures, or daily adherence.”
With seven preclinicals completed, Elle, MD’s Livv ring expects Livv to enter its first human trials this year at The Ottawa Hospital.
