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Elle MD raises $1.1 million to develop non-hormonal, easily removable birth control ring

Essential brief

Elle MD Technologies, a Nova Scotia healthtech startup, has secured $1.1 million CAD in funding to advance clinical testing of its non-hormonal vaginal contraceptive ring, Livv. The device aims to

Key topics

elle raises million develop non-hormonal easily removable birth control ring develop non-hormonal easily control ring Elle MD Technologies Nova Scotia

Key facts

Elle MD raised $1.1 million CAD to fund clinical testing of its non-hormonal contraceptive ring, Livv.

The Livv ring uses copper to prevent pregnancy and can be removed by users at any time.

The startup plans its first human clinical trial in fall 2026 at The Ottawa Hospital, pending regulatory approval.

Elle MD has raised a total of $2.5 million, including grants, and completed preclinical safety and efficacy tests.

Highlights

Elle MD Technologies is developing Livv, a non-hormonal vaginal contraceptive ring using copper.

The device offers an alternative to hormonal birth control methods with fewer side effects.

Livv can be inserted monthly and removed by the user without clinical assistance.

The startup raised $1.1 million CAD in an all-equity pre-seed round from multiple investors and organizations.

First human clinical trials are planned for fall 2026 at The Ottawa Hospital, pending Health Canada approval.

Why it matters

Elle MD’s development of a non-hormonal, easily removable birth control ring offers an alternative for individuals who cannot or prefer not to use hormonal contraceptives. This innovation could expand contraceptive options, reduce side effects, and increase user autonomy. The successful funding and clinical progress also highlight growing support for women-led health technology ventures addressing unmet needs in reproductive health.

Existing birth control options often involve trade-offs for women. Intrauterine devices (IUDs) can last for years but may cause painful insertions and heavier periods. Oral contraceptives require consistent use and can lead to side effects such as nausea, headaches, and mood changes. Elle MD Technologies, based in New Minas, Nova Scotia, is developing a non-hormonal contraceptive ring called Livv to mitigate these issues. The company recently raised $1.1 million CAD to support clinical testing of the device.

The Livv ring is a silicone-and-copper device similar in form to the NuvaRing, inserted vaginally once a month. Unlike hormonal rings that release progestin and estrogen, Livv uses copper to interfere with sperm, preventing fertilization. A key advantage is that users can remove the ring at any time, unlike IUDs which require clinical removal.

Founder Dr. Jennifer Johnston, a family physician and mother of four, was motivated by patient feedback and her own health challenges that limited hormonal contraceptive use. She identified a need for a birth control method that offers effective pregnancy prevention without hormonal side effects.

The $1.1 million funding round included investors such as Elizabeth Edwards of H Venture Partners, Dr. Robin Leblanc, Invest Nova Scotia, the New Brunswick Innovation Foundation, and others. Elle MD has now raised a total of $2.5 million, including non-dilutive grants. The company plans to conduct its first human clinical trial this fall at The Ottawa Hospital, pending Health Canada approval.

Preclinical tests in sheep have demonstrated the device’s safety and efficacy. Elle MD also completed an accelerator program with pharmaceutical company Organon, which supports the refinement of Livv through collaboration with their research and development team. Dr. Johnston has transitioned from physician to founder, drawing on her experiences as a patient, provider, and mother to guide the development of this contraceptive option.

Elle MD’s work contributes to a growing number of women-led femtech startups in Canada securing early-stage funding, addressing historical underinvestment in women’s health research.

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