hyaluronic-acid
(4)
Alafair Biosciences, Inc.
Alafair Biosciences is an Austin, Texas commercial-stage medical device company that makes bioresorbable, plant-based hydrogel implants to protect healing soft tissue after surgery. Built on its patented VersaCore hydrogel technology - a collagen-free, dye-free blend of naturally derived hyaluronic acid and alginate - the company's VersaWrap Hydrogel Sheet and VersaCoat Flowable Hydrogel create a non-constricting gliding interface around tendons, ligaments and peripheral nerves to limit postoperative tethering and help patients regain function. More than 40,000 VersaWrap implants have been used across orthopedic, spine, hand and plastic/reconstructive procedures.
Fount Bio, Inc.
Fount Bio is a Somerville, Massachusetts life-science company that builds long-lasting hyaluronic acid (HA) matrices directly inside living tissue. Its proprietary Flī-HA platform uses Nobel-Prize-winning bioorthogonal (click) chemistry to deliver HA building blocks that self-assemble in situ into a biostable, high-molecular-weight matrix - overcoming the delivery and degradation barriers that have long forced HA to be injected as pre-formed filler. The lead product, Flī-Derm, is a needle-free liquid for aesthetic dermatology that reduced fine lines and wrinkles in a blinded clinical study and won IMCAS 2024's Innovation of the Year. The tunable platform extends toward ophthalmology, joints, mucosal tissue and women's health.
Doug Levinson
Doug Levinson is the co-founder and CEO of Fount Bio, a Somerville, Massachusetts life science company building Flī-HA, a platform to deliver long-lasting hyaluronic acid into skin through topical application rather than injection. A serial life-sciences entrepreneur with a Harvard PhD in genetics, Levinson has spent roughly 25 years founding and running companies across diagnostics, aesthetics, and drug delivery, including Cytrellis Biosystems, T2 Biosystems, and YourBio Health, after early stints at Millennium Pharmaceuticals and TransForm Pharmaceuticals and a partner role at Flagship Ventures.
Playground
Playground is a female-founded sexual wellness brand making clean, vegan, water-based personal lubricants and intimacy products intentionally formulated for women. Its FDA-cleared, clinically tested formulas blend adaptogens like ashwagandha with skincare-grade ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, vitamin E and bamboo extract to support vaginal health while boosting libido. Co-founded with pop icon Christina Aguilera as Chief Brand Advisor, Playground raised $2M in seed funding and sells direct-to-consumer plus retail partners including Target.