Uni Zurich Spin-off
we are a MedTech spin-off of the University and University Hospital of Zurich that provides a method to reduce the risk of preterm birth related to fetoscopic interventions.
Uni Zurich Spin-off
Born to deliverOur Mission
The project resulted from a combined doctoral study from the Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne (EPFL) and UniversitätsSpital Zürich (USZ). KOVE is the sum of years of research towards enabling surgeons to have a secure way to perform pre-natal treatment, which suffers from a high risk of preterm birth after the surgery. This side-effect is seen to be the greatest limitation for the progress of fetal therapy.
Understand, Create, Save
We save babies that are now doomed to death. We give surgeons a reliable tool to work with. We avoid huge expenses in neonatal care for society.
Meet our Team
Dr. Yannick Devaud
Founder, CEO
PhD in Bioengineering
Dr. Kurt Ruffieux
Co-Founder, CTO
PhD in Material Sciences
Dr. Lorenz Uebersax
Chief Product & Regulatory Officer
PhD in Biotechnology
Dr. Riccardo Urbanet
R&D Engineer
PhD in Clinical Endocrinology
What surgeons hope for with KOVE
Dr. Fabio PeraltaPremature rupture of the fetal membranes after fetoscopic procedures, which we perform at our hospital, is still an unsolved problem with a high risk for prematurity without a prophylactic measure or therapy. Despite our pioneer approaches in fetal treatment in the last decade, this high risk has limited the development of the fetal treatment field. A solution to minimize this side-effect could dramatically increase the success rate and the indications for prenatal treatment.
Dr. Femke SlaghekkeOne of the most important goals in fetal surgery is to prolong pregnancy and reduce the incidence of premature rupture of fetal membranes. Sealing the introduction site will help to reduce this risk.
Prof. Nicolas SananesThe risk of premature membrane rupture can have heavy consequences and weights importantly in the indications for/against fetoscopy. A solution allowing to diminish this risk would not only limit side effects of those interventions but also open the way to potential further interventions.
Dr. Jose PeiroAs a pediatric and fetal surgeon, I have seen firsthand the devastating effects that chorioamniotic separation (CAS) and preterm membrane rupture (PPROM) can have on both the mother and the baby. Fetoscopy is a crucial tool to treat fetal abnormalities, but the risk of membrane rupture and CAS is always present. Finding a solution to prevent CAS and membrane rupture after fetoscopy is absolutely necessary to ensure the safety and well-being of both the mother and the baby. The development of such a solution would be a major breakthrough in the field of fetal surgery and would greatly benefit countless families facing these challenging circumstances.
Partners
