Insight
The female urinary tract is much shorter than men and as such women are more suspectable to urinary tract infections (UTI). 37% of women reported at least one episode of urinary tract infection (UTI) in their lifetime, with 29% reporting more than one episode of a UTI (1). Symptoms include burning and significant pain when urinating, pain in the lower back or abdomen and needing to urinate more frequently – all of which can disrupt daily life.
Women are also susceptible to thrush and bacterial vaginosis (BV) – with 29–49% of responding women reported having had a diagnosed vaginal yeast infection during their lifetime while BV effects between 15-30% of women of reproductive age (2)(3). Both conditions can cause significant discomfort and impact a woman’s quality of life.
Despite comprising over 51% of the population, women have historically been underrepresented in medical research and underserved in healthcare innovation, leading to gaps in diagnosis, treatment, and care.
Intervention
Created for women by an all-female team of scientists
Created by scientist and UTI suffer, Dr Chiara Board, P.Happi® serum protects the microbiome of women’s intimate area by creating a barrier against unwanted bacteria, while allowing good bacteria to flourish.
The serum contains Bdellovibrio bacteriovorus (B.Y.M.® 1405) which exhibits both probiotic properties and the ability to detoxify bad bacteria. It helps maintain a healthy microbial balance by controlling harmful bacteria and serves as a natural antagonist to pathogenic microorganisms.
Health Innovation East’s support
P.Happi® took part in the Accelerating FemTech programme, delivered by the Health Innovation Network (HIN) South London and its partners, including Health Innovation East.
Accelerating FemTech helps early-stage companies, university spinouts and academic entrepreneurs focused on women’s health to gain the commercial and funding momentum they need for long-term success. The 10-week programme supports innovators to prepare for a special closed-call funding opportunity through Innovate UK’s Biomedical Catalyst, delivered alongside a collaborative learning programme and facilitated networking with key NHS and health sector stakeholders.
Health Innovation East has been providing mentorship support to Chiara, enabling networking opportunities, facilitating conversations with commissioners and providing guidance around routes to market.
Dr Sarah Robinson’s mentoring through Health Innovation East has been invaluable. It sharpened our focus and paved clear routes to market, ensuring our product reaches the women who need it most.
Dr Chiara Board, scientist and founder of P.Happi®
Impact
P.Happi’s latest blind study of 59 women demonstrated the protection and maintenance of the intimate microbiome when using the P.Happi serum, with 93% said dry intimate skin felt moisturised, 71% felt more protected in the intimate area and 78% noticed better results compared to other solutions.
I was hoping this product (P.Happi) would help…but didn’t expect it to help so quickly and improve my life so much in just a month! I feel like I am starting to get my life back, which is priceless.
Mae, study participant
P.Happi® are now selling their product in the UK market and in the future, they hope to scale their manufacturing operation and establish their own UK-based bio-manufacturing facility, which will increase the potential for global expansion. As of March 2024, P.Happi is now sold in selected Boots stores and online.
The company is also looking to diversify product offerings in the women’s health space to encompass a broader range of solutions.
Find out more
Find out more about P.Happi by visiting their website.
References:
(2) https://cks.nice.org.uk/topics/candida-female-genital/background-information/prevalence/
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