Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a complex and heterogeneous hormonal pathology that affects one in seven women. Its causes are multifactorial and still little known, which often leads to a delay in the implementation of an effective and personalized therapeutic strategy. . There is no cure for PCOS. In first intention, its management is based on lifestyle and dietary interventions aimed at alleviating the many symptoms: irregularity of cycles, fertility disorders, acne, hyperpilosity, metabolic syndrome, overweight, cardiovascular complications and psychological disorders that result from it…
Co-founded in the fall of 2022 by Clara Stephenson (creator of the Les Natives website, the first French awareness blog on PCOS) and Mael Mertad (centralien engineer with 15 years of experience in the development, implementation market and marketing of medical devices), the Solence company offers support to patients in understanding their pathology and adopting appropriate measures thanks to the first digital tool dedicated to PCOS. This makes it possible to manage the symptoms of the disease on a daily basis as well as in the long term, by adapting to the patient’s personal biological and psychological profile and by relying on cognitive behavioral therapies and behavioral economics (or nudge ) to induce new habits without using injunctions.
Solence’s solution revolves around three elements. The first is therapeutic education: a library made up of important documentary resources makes it possible to understand the hormonal and metabolic mechanisms at work. Then, a personalized hygieno-dietetic “coaching” offers solutions to act on a daily basis (movement and sporting activity, meditation, sophrology, cooking recipes, etc.). Finally, the follow-up of the information provided by the patients in the application concerning their quality of life and their symptoms makes it possible to set up a longitudinal epidemiological study and the creation of a database which will make it possible to better understand the pathology and to to improve its management.
Solence conducted a PCOS awareness campaign in February and March of this year, called “Omitted”. Cha Gonzalez, a photographer with committed and human-centered work, a graduate of the National School of Decorative Arts, has drawn the portrait of 16 women with PCOS by highlighting the experience of their symptoms and the need to their visibility.
Already winner of the Health Data Hub with its SOPKIA project, Solence is now working on the classification of its application as a medical device. A test phase with a panel of patients is underway and will continue until the start of the school year. Then, from September, PCOS awareness month, the application will be made available to patients in France, with the support of medical partners (laboratories and hospitals).
Solence is a medtech company, which is reflected in its values: empathetic innovation, geared towards progress and data, making it possible to shape care with respect for women’s needs and to respond to an under-addressed health problem. ; reliability, scientific excellence, and the requirement of clinical evidence; a search for equitable access to care and health solutions for women for all with the use of lifestyle medicine and behavioral sciences.
Obtaining the Deeptech label from Bpifrance reinforces this innovation strategy through the lever of data, and the desire to be a source of proposals. Solence has also initiated a first round of financing and is currently looking for private investors and business angels to support the development of its first medical solution.
Content designed and proposed by L’Agence Delta. The editorial staff of Le Figaro did not participate in the production of this article.
