For millions of women around the globe, vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC)—commonly known as a yeast infection—is an all-too-familiar nuisance, often escalating into a chronic condition that disrupts daily life. Zero Candida Ltd (TSX-V:ZCT), a femtech start-up leveraging artificial intelligence and blue light technology, is hoping to disrupt how this persistent health issue is treated.
The Israeli company, which debuted on the TSX Venture Exchange in November 2024, has developed a tampon-like medical device that targets Candida fungus with unprecedented precision. Using controlled blue light at a wavelength of 405 nanometers, the device eradicates the fungus with 99.999% efficacy in just one overnight treatment. Unlike traditional antifungal medications, this non-chemical approach promises to be free of side effects, addressing a condition that affects three-quarters of women at some point in their lives and is notoriously prone to recurrence.
“This is a game-changer,” said Eli Ben-Haroosh, CEO and co-founder of Zero Candida. “Our treatment eliminates the fungus completely safely and painlessly. It’s a paradigm shift for women’s health, offering a solution that’s effective, easy to use, and eliminates the cycle of recurrence.”
A persistent, overlooked problem
While often dismissed as a minor inconvenience, yeast infections—particularly recurrent VVC (RVVC)—represent a significant burden on healthcare systems and women’s wellbeing. Studies show that 138 million women globally deal with RVVC annually, a figure expected to climb to 158 million by 2030. The financial toll is equally staggering: in developed nations alone, costs associated with RVVC exceed $14 billion annually.
Despite the prevalence of these infections, existing treatments such as antifungal creams and pills frequently fail to provide long-term relief. These medications can disrupt the delicate vaginal flora, often leading to recurring infections.
“Candida is particularly stubborn,” said co-founder and president Dr Asher Holzer. “Current treatments often mask the symptoms without addressing the root cause, leaving women caught in a frustrating cycle. Our blue light technology not only eradicates the fungus but also preserves the natural balance of vaginal flora, breaking that cycle.”
From lab to market
Zero Candida’s innovative device is designed to be more than just a one-time fix. Equipped with Wi-Fi-enabled data transmission, it allows healthcare providers to remotely monitor patient progress and personalize treatments. This feature is particularly critical for women in underserved or remote areas.
The company’s commercialization roadmap includes finalizing a human-use prototype by Q1 2025 and conducting preclinical studies by mid-year. Regulatory approval is likely to follow through the US Food & Drug Administration’s de novo pathway, a streamlined process for novel medical devices.
“Our regulatory journey has been encouraging,” said Holzer. “The FDA has recognized the potential of our non-drug approach and has been receptive to helping us fast-track approval. It’s a testament to the need for innovation in this space.”
Initial trials will take place in Israel and the US, addressing regional variations in candida strains. The company aims to bring the device to market through a physician-driven model, with eventual plans for over-the-counter availability.
Disrupting a growing market
Zero Candida is entering a rapidly expanding femtech market projected to reach nearly $117.37 billion by 2029, according to Research and Markets. With its focus on innovation and a market largely underserved by traditional pharmaceutical companies, the company sees enormous potential for growth.
“This market is enormous,” said Ben-Haroosh. “If we capture even a fraction of it, the impact—both for patients and for our business—will be transformative.”
In addition to targeting VVC, Zero Candida plans to broaden its portfolio to include diagnostics and treatments for other health issues for women.
Beyond the technology
While the science is groundbreaking, Zero Candida’s founders emphasize the broader mission: empowering women and destigmatizing conversations about vaginal health.
“Women’s health has been overlooked for far too long,” said Ben-Haroosh. “Going public isn’t just about raising funds—it’s about raising awareness. We want to modernize this field and show that investing in women’s health is not just necessary; it’s smart.”
As Zero Candida gears up for human trials and regulatory approvals, the company’s leadership is confident about its future. Fully funded through 2026, Zero Candida is already eyeing a NASDAQ listing and additional applications for its technology.
“We’re building something remarkable that will not only transform women’s health but also deliver significant returns,” said Ben-Haroosh. “This is just the beginning.”