Hot flashes are the most prevalent and often bothersome symptom of menopause. Oakland-based startup Lisa Health has now been awarded a competitive $255K grant from the National Science a National Science Foundation (NSF) Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) to conduct research and development work on novel technology for menopausal hot flashes. The company has created a digital health solution for menopause and healthy aging that empowers women to thrive in midlife. Lisa Health is a spinout of SRI International, and uses advanced technology to transform the menopause and healthy aging journey.
More than 80% of women will experience hot flashes on average for 4-7 years, with black and Hispanic women having hot flashes of longer duration and higher severity. The cost to the U.S. economy alone has been estimated at $800 million annually. Women report that hot flashes interfere with their health, quality of life, and productivity, with empirical data confirming the detrimental negative impact of hot flashes on women’s health and wellness. Lisa Health is at the forefront of developing non-invasive technology that gives women more control over hot flashes and delivers relief.
“NSF is proud to support the technology of the future by thinking beyond incremental developments and funding the most creative, impactful ideas across all markets and areas of science and engineering,” said Andrea Belz, Division Director of the Division of Industrial Innovation and Partnerships at NSF. “With the support of our research funds, any deep technology startup or small business can guide basic science into meaningful solutions that address tremendous needs.”
“We are deeply gratified that the NSF recognized menopausal hot flashes as a high priority that deep technology R&D can help address. There are 3.8 billion women worldwide, and every single one will experience menopause. Four out of five women will have hot flashes that interfere with their daily life. We are also excited that the NSF recognized the potential of our solution and the excellence of our scientific and technical team. With this grant, Lisa Health will advance the development of a tech-enabled, non-hormonal solution for hot flash management women want and need”, said Ann Garnier, Founder and CEO.”
