EsaDres team from left to right: Dr Marta Putrinš, Prof Karin Kogermann and Kairi Lorenz.

Estonian-based company EsaDres develops personalized wound dressings for the treatment of chronic wounds. The team is among 10 promising startups selected for the fifth Health Incubator Helsinki program in the spring of 2024.

Chronic wounds are a significant societal issue, leading to severe health complications and rising healthcare costs. Each wound is unique and requires tailored treatment, yet many companies in the market continue to offer one-size-fits-all solutions.

EsaDres aims to bridge this gap by providing wound dressings customized to meet each patient’s individual needs. The company was established in 2023 by researchers from the University of Tartu, and the core team – Karin Kogermann, Kairi Lorenz, and Marta Putrinš – possesses over ten years of experience in developing innovative wound care products.

“Now we want to bring our research work and innovations into clinical practice,” says Prof. Karin Kogermann, co-founder and CEO of EsaDres.

Six times faster healing with personalized wound care

EsaDres’ innovation can be summarized in three main points: right place, right time, and right cure.

“Clinicians can provide the treatment they want by selecting the desired active substances for use in the wound dressings, and patients will receive the treatment they need. All this leads to six times faster wound healing, and reduced mortality and morbidity,” Kogermann explains.

Offering tailored treatments instead of one-size-fits-all solutions also has the potential to significantly reduce healthcare costs. Treating an infected diabetic wound can cost 30,000 euros, but according to Kogermann, EsaDres can bring this down to just 1,000 euros.

To help clinicians gain access to effective treatments, the EsaDres team is not just offering the formulation itself.

“A key element of our solution is the training we will provide to hospital pharmacies, enabling them to prepare dressings directly in the clinics.”

A one-year-old spin-out, officially registered in February 2023, has already found its first customer.

“The manufacturing has now started in Estonia, at Tartu University Hospital.”

Gaining access to the Finnish market with Health Incubator Helsinki

After completing her PhD in Finland and getting to know the country for four years, Kogermann sees Finland as one of the most promising markets to start with.

“Alongside the help needed in, for example, regulatory affairs, our team joined Health Incubator Helsinki to gain more information about the Finnish healthcare system.”

During the first two months in the program, the team has participated in training and mentoring sessions and expanded its network with other Health Incubator Helsinki startups and potential investors.

“We have already made valuable contacts and attended engaging sessions that have enhanced our knowledge and skills, helping us advance our business and technology.”

If you’re interested in collaborating with EsaDres to take their innovation further, please get in touch with the team!

Contact information:

Karin Kogermann, co-founder and CEO

karin.kogermann (at) esadres.com

Check out all the companies in the Health Incubator Helsinki program.

Text: Saana Lehtinen, Uoma Media Oy

Photo: EsaDres Oy