Swedish medtech firm Xaga Surgical has announced a successful SEK 8M (€698K) funding round, aimed at addressing significant challenges in healthcare. Based in Helsingborg, the company is focused on improving safety and diagnostic accuracy in cancer care through innovative medical needle designs. With nearly 50 million patients annually at risk of complications from needle-related infections globally, the firm’s patented technology offers a potential solution to these pressing concerns. This development builds on Xaga’s mission to make healthcare practices safer and more cost-effective for both patients and providers.
In earlier reports, Xaga’s efforts to reduce bacterial transmission during biopsies demonstrated a 96 percent decrease in infection rates. These advancements are a response to longstanding challenges in the medical field, particularly hospital-acquired infections. Unlike past initiatives that focused on refining traditional needle designs, Xaga has introduced a patented approach aimed at significantly mitigating bacterial transfer—a move that the company believes could address a global health burden estimated at $80 billion annually in associated costs.
How will the funds be used?
The latest funding round was led by Almi Invest, which contributed SEK 3M (€261K), alongside SmiLe Inject Capital and individual investors. The capital will be allocated toward key objectives, including commercialisation efforts, obtaining FDA approval, and entering the US market. Andreas Forsvall, CEO of Xaga Surgical, highlighted the critical need for enhanced safety in medical needles, stating:
“The global market for medical needles faces significant challenges, with over 50 million people annually at risk of health issues related to needle infections, costing an estimated $80B.”
By addressing these risks, Xaga aims to secure a foothold in the competitive healthcare market while ensuring patient safety through its advanced needle technology.
What drives Xaga’s innovation?
Xaga’s innovation journey began in 2014 when founder Andreas Forsvall witnessed serious infection cases resulting from prostate biopsies. Determined to create safer alternatives, the company developed a needle system that significantly reduces bacterial transfer. The firm’s broader mission now includes tackling hospital-acquired infections by designing fluid and port needles that enhance healthcare efficiency. Highlighting the team’s commitment, Forsvall noted:
“Our technology is designed to address this need and create safer and more efficient healthcare solutions.”
This technology not only improves infection prevention but also enhances the precision of cancer diagnostics, making it a key focus for the firm moving forward.
SmiLe Inject Capital, a key investor in the funding round, is a prominent supporter of early-stage life science companies in Sweden. The firm is part of SmiLe’s broader incubator programme, which has supported over 110 startups, raised over €1.03B in venture capital, and facilitated 21 IPOs to date. Thomas Unt, CEO of SmiLe Inject Capital, underscored their commitment, stating:
“Our investment in Xaga Surgical is part of our commitment to supporting life science companies in commercialising their innovations to contribute to global health.”
This network of support has enabled Xaga to refine its technology and prepare for global market entry.
Medical needles have long posed risks of cross-contamination, especially in hospital settings. Current alternatives focus on sterilisation methods, but Xaga’s innovation introduces an entirely new mechanism to combat infection risks. The company’s strategy of targeting both diagnostic precision and safety is a differentiating factor compared to other healthcare technologies developed over the years.
As Xaga Surgical moves toward broader commercialisation, the medtech sector will likely monitor its progress closely. If the firm successfully secures FDA approval and penetrates the US market, it could set a new benchmark for infection control in medical practices. For healthcare providers, adopting such innovations may help reduce long-term costs linked to treating post-biopsy infections or hospital-acquired ailments, offering a practical incentive for widespread adoption. However, achieving significant market penetration will depend on both regulatory approvals and the ability to demonstrate cost-effectiveness at scale.
