Spotlight on Innovation in Healthcare With the MGHF
According to FemTherapeutics’ data, one in two women experience pelvic organ prolapse at some stage in their life, however, current treatment methods involving surgical intervention and traditional pessaries have low success rates. That’s why this startup’s co-founder and CEO Inara Lalani was inspired to develop a more effective and comfortable non-invasive method to manage prolapse. The Montreal General Hospital Foundation (MGHF) is proud to fund brilliant ideas such as this.
FemTherapeutics is supported by the MGHF’s Impact Investment Program. Through the Foundation’s partnership with the Clinical Innovation Platform (CLIP), a startup incubator at the heart of the Montreal General Hospital and the Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, the Impact Investment Program offers convertible loans for health-tech startups wanting to scale their innovations to the benefit of patients in Quebec and Canada. This unique program makes it possible for selected companies like FemTherapeutics to develop life-changing technologies with the potential to transform healthcare. Some other startups funded through our Impact Investment Program are developing amazing ideas such as AI-assisted neuro-oncology, remote scoliosis management, and innovative solutions for surgeries.
“Supporting transformative initiatives is essential to our Foundation’s mission,” says Stephanie Riddell, President and CEO of the MGHF. “Each year, almost half our funding goes towards research and innovation. Our unique Impact Investment Program empowers startups to further their work and improve patient lives. FemTherapeutics strives to transform women’s healthcare, which couldn’t be more aligned with our raison d’être. We are pleased to fund their growth!”
Patent pending in Canada, the U.S., and E.U., the company is currently undergoing clinical validation and hopes to launch by early 2026.
Transforming Women’s Healthcare
FemTherapeutics began when Inara Lalani and Negin Ashouri (now the company’s Chief Technology Officer) were shadowing Dr. Mihnea Gangal (now Chief Medical Officer) after the women earned top honours in the McGill Surgical Innovation Program.
What is FemTherapeutics all about? It’s simple: The company has developed the first dynamic and customized pessary for the non-invasive management of pelvic organ prolapse. Their process uses AI, 3D printing, and other technologies to design personalized devices for these common gynecological disorders. “We are driven by a passion to empower women with choice. We believe that every woman deserves access to effective healthcare solutions and to age with dignity,” says Inara Lalani.
To help avoid unnecessary surgeries and improve the comfort and effectiveness of vaginal pessaries – which are most commonly used as the first line of treatment – FemTherapeutics developed their made-to-measure device, which offers each woman a personalized anatomical fit.
“The MGHF’s Impact Investment Program offers an incredible opportunity for us to take FemTherapeutics to the next level,” Lalani says. “Thanks to the Foundation’s invaluable support, we’re committed to transforming women’s healthcare, empowering patients, and helping them avoid unnecessary surgeries – as we redesign the one-size-fits-all approach to women’s health and restore gender equality in medical innovation.”
The MGHF’s Impact Investment Program is supported by National Bank, Birks Family Foundation, John Dobson Foundation and other generous donors.
