Bone Health Technologies is a company that applies science and medical expertise to create better health outcomes for women and men at risk of developing osteoporosis and associated bone fractures. To learn more about the company, Pulse 2.0 interviewed Bone Health Technologies CEO Laura Yecies.
Laura Yecies’ Background
Laura Yecies is a serial entrepreneur focused on solving large unmet healthcare needs.
“As CEO of Bone Health Technologies, I am working to bring the first proven-effective and safe non-drug treatment for low bone density to patients. Previously I was CEO of SyncThink (a medical diagnostic company), Catch (sold to Apple), and SugarSync (acquired by J2Global),” said Yecies. “Earlier, I led the Browser division at Netscape, was general manager of Yahoo Mail, and VP of Marketing at Check Point. I have led commercialization and product development programs that have resulted in the use by over 350m customers. I received my MBA from Harvard, have an MSFS from Georgetown, and an AB in Government Magna Cum Laude from Dartmouth.”
Formation Of Bone Health Technologies
How did the idea for Bone Health Technologies come together? “Our founder and product inventor Dr. Shane Mangrum was treating many patients with vertebral compression fractures as part of his clinical practice – they had terrible pain from the fractures and few treatment and prevention options – he identified the opportunity to leverage the science of whole body vibration but putting it in a more convenient and effective belt form factor,” Yecies shared.
Favorite Memory
What has been Yecies’ favorite memory working for Bone Health Technologies so far? “Seeing the results from our pivotal trial and knowing we were onto something very important,” Yecies replied.
Challenges Faced
What are some of the challenges Yecies faced in building the company? “Not everyone is aware of the large population of patients with low bone density, the seriousness of fractures, as well as the lack of well-accepted pharmacological treatment options,” Yecies acknowledged.
Core Products
What are Bone Health Technologies’ core products and features? “Bone Health Technologies has developed the Osteoboost belt, the first and only safe and proven effective treatment for the 63 million people in the US with Osteoporosis or Osteopenia, as well as a comprehensive digital therapeutic platform – a personalized digital health and telehealth solution for optimizing bone health. Osteoboost puts clinically proven NASA vibration technology into a convenient belt form factor,” Yecies noted. “The pivotal trial has shown dramatic benefit from treatment. The Osteoboost Digital Platform fills an unmet need for a comprehensive diagnostic and therapeutic intervention and longitudinal data platform.”
Evolution Of Bone Health Technologies’ Technology
How has Bone Health Technologies technology evolved since launching? “In addition to the device, e have developed a comprehensive bone health optimization connected health application to support patients in their bone health journey,” Yecies explained.
Most Significant Milestones
What have been some of Bone Health Technologies’ most significant milestones? Bone Health Technologies has achieved Breakthrough Device status from the FDA and received over $4.7 million in NIH grants for clinical research. Bone Health Technologies completed its pivotal trial in 2022. Plus, Bone Health Technologies has also raised a $2.75 million series A financing.
Customer Success
Regarding customer success, Yecies pointed out that the company’s pivotal trial demonstrated safety and efficacy in a population of 126 post-menopausal women patients. And the company plans to sell its device and service to patients upon a doctor prescription.
Total Addressable Market
What total addressable market (TAM) size is Bone Health Technologies pursuing? Yecies assessed that the market is $33 billion for osteopenia and osteoporosis in the US and it is larger if you include prevention and international.
“Postmenopausal women are a large market – they are looking for and purchasing easy-to-access, easy-to-use, effective solutions for the health problems they face – I believe we will see many successful companies targeting this market,” Yecies affirmed.
Differentiation From The Competition
What differentiates Bone Health Technologies from its competition? “Bone Health Technologies uniquely combines clinically proven efficacy, zero serious adverse effects, and an easy-to-use treatment,” Yecies pointed out.
Future Company Goals
What are some of Bone Health Technologies’ future company goals? “We want to change the trajectory of bone density and reduce the rate of fracture for the tens of millions of patients with low bone density,” Yecies concluded.
