Dutch startup VivArt-X raises €660K to improve women’s health post breast-conserving surgery

Eindhoven-based VivArt-X, a startup that aims to improve women’s lives after breast-conserving surgery, has secured €660K in a pre-seed round of funding to advance the development of its biodegradable biomaterial for regenerating human tissue.

The proof-of-concept focuses on improving the survival rate of transplanted fat cells in breast cancer patients, particularly those who undergo lumpectomy and subsequently require breast reconstruction surgery.

“This funding enables us to advance our lead programme into pre-clinical development, a significant step in our mission to improve regenerative application,” says VivArt-X.

Investors supporting VivArt-X

The investment came from Brabant Startup Fonds, the Brabant Development Agency (BOM), TU/e Participations, and various informal investors.

BOM investment manager Paul Vernooij says, “VivArt-X is addressing a very important medical need – upgrading reconstructive surgery for people who have suffered breast cancer.”

“The company’s smart biomaterials improve the effectiveness of fat transplantations, resulting in a better recovery rate and reducing the need for further breast surgery.”

“The investment helps VivArt X to achieve this major objective and also bolsters the Brabant ecosystem in the field of biomaterials.”

The BOM helps entrepreneurs in securing support and funding for critical technologies, healthy futures, climate-neutral energy, and sustainable food sources. 

Serving as the executive branch for the Province of Brabant and the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy, BOM also facilitates the growth of startups into scale-ups and businesses with global ambitions.

1 in 7 women at risk of developing breast cancer in their lifetime

VivArt-X highlights a concerning statistic, stating that out of 2.3 million global breast cancer sufferers, around half undergo the removal of cancerous tissue, leading to a subsequent need for breast reconstruction surgery.

VivArt-X aims to improve the often unsatisfactory outcomes of current procedures through innovative solutions.

According to the company, postoperative breast cancer patients often endure significant physical and emotional pain, with the choice of reconstruction strategy and recovery time playing a crucial role.

Recognising an unmet need, VivArt-X aims to address this challenge by introducing a synthetic, degradable biomaterial.

This innovation aims to enable surgeons to predictably restore and regenerate breast tissue, ultimately improving the quality of life for breast cancer patients through personalised and effective breast reconstruction.

The company was founded in 2022 by Dr. Ir. Dan Jing Wu and Professor Dr. Patricia Dankers.

Other applications

VivArt-X’s medical device aims for the healthy restoration of breast tissue with broader applications beyond breast regeneration.

VivArt-X CEO and founder Dan Jing Wu says, “We are extremely grateful for the support of our investors and partners and their confidence in us. This valuable backing allows our team to accelerate R&D and make a significant contribution to tackling crucial issues concerning women’s health.”