UroMems, a Grenoble, France-based developer of implantable medical devices, has raised $60M in strategic funding from Ajax Health. The capital supports the SOPHIA-2 pivotal clinical trial of UroActive, a MEMS-powered smart implant that automatically adjusts urethral pressure to treat stress urinary incontinence (SUI). This funding brings total capital to over $140M.
Urology Implants Attract Late-Stage Capital
The investment arrives as urology device funding accelerates. Neuspera Medical raised $23M Series D in July 2024 to support FDA submission for its sacral neuromodulation system targeting urge incontinence. UroMems differentiates with sensor-driven automation in its artificial urinary sphincter, addressing limitations of mechanical rivals like Boston Scientific's AMS 800.
Legacy Devices Face High Revision Rates
SUI affects approximately 40 million people in the US and 90 million in Europe, often following prostate surgery or pregnancy. Current artificial sphincters require manual activation, leading to revision rates of 25-30% due to erosion and complications. Patients endure ongoing interventions, while slings suit only milder cases.
Sensors Enable Real-Time Adjustment
UroActive integrates sensors and algorithms to dynamically modulate urethral pressure based on activity, eliminating manual pumps. This battery-free design powered by MyoElectroMechanical Systems (MEMS) reduces tissue damage and reoperations compared to static implants. First-in-human feasibility studies showed positive outcomes in men and women.
As Hamid Lamraoui, CEO of UroMems, noted:
"Ajax Health Fund I’s support strengthens our position… UroActive will be a game-changer."
Ajax Validates Medtech Path
Ajax Health, known for exits like EPIX to Medtronic and Cortex to Boston Scientific, brings operational expertise in scaling implants through trials and commercialization. New board additions David Beylik and Dr. Jeremy Durack signal strategic guidance for US market entry. Their focus on therapeutic devices aligns with UroActive's clinical-stage profile.
Incontinence Market Nears $8B
The urinary incontinence devices market stood at $4.22B in 2024 and projects growth to $7.97B by 2030 at 11.2% CAGR, per MarketsandMarkets. SUI devices represent a $2.4B opportunity in 2026. Competitors include public giants Medtronic and Boston Scientific in neuromodulation, but UroMems targets severe SUI underserved by those approaches.
David Beylik of Ajax Health added:
"UroActive has the potential to become the standard of care."
Founders Blend Medicine and Engineering
Co-founded in 2011 by CEO Hamid Lamraoui and urologist Pierre Mozer MD PhD, UroMems combines clinical insight with MEMS innovation. Over 180 patents protect its technology, backed by 60+ engineers.
Pivotal Trial Scales Across Borders
The SOPHIA-2 trial, cleared by FDA and French ANSM in 2025, recruits at 21 US and French sites for male SUI data toward FDA PMA and EU approvals. Aggressive hiring in clinical, quality, and field roles across Grenoble, Paris, and US states like Colorado and Texas supports trial execution and commercialization prep.