FemTech startup Juno Bio has launched a home test kit for people with vaginas, who want to understand their vaginal microbiome while also contributing data to further research into women’s health.
What are Vaginal Microbiome
The vaginal microbiome are the community of microbes and bacteria that naturally live in the vagina. Differences in the vaginal microbiome can have implications for women’s health conditions — such as recurrent bacterial-vaginosis, a higher risk of STI contraction, and even preterm birth and infertility.
A historical lack of research into women’s health issues means there’s still a lack of clarity on this issue. Especially into what methods correct an unhealthy imbalance.
What is Juno Bio’s Solution?
Launched in 2018, the start-up ran a study which gatheed sample data on the vaginal microbiome. This data-set is what underpins the commercial viability of Juno Bio’s Vaginal Microbiome Test kit.
The testing kit costs $149 (including free shipping). For those who pay, they will receive a test kit via the postal service. They then use the Q-tip swap inside the vagina to gather a sample, and seal the sample in the tube provided. This collection is then returned by post to Juno Bio for analysis.
After the analysis is finalised the user can log in online to view their results. They have the option to book a one-on-one call with a Juno Bio “vaginal coach” to discuss the data.
What is the market opportunity of the product?
A disclaimer on Juno Bio’s website states the tests are “currently exclusively intended to be used for wellness purposes”. It goes onto say: “The tests we offer are not intended to diagnose or treat disease, or to substitute for a physician’s consultation.”
Juno Bio says it’s working on “a regulated version” so it will be able to inform clinical decision making in the future. The U.S. is it’s initial market focus.
