Let’s be honest, no one likes getting injections. Be it vaccines or routine blood work, injections often cause pain, discomfort and even anxiety to some.
And for those who undergo frequent medical procedures, like chemotherapy and dialysis, the injection is a lot more than a little prick. It’s fear.
For some, the fear runs even deeper. About 1 in 10 people are so scared of needles that they tend to avoid essential medical care altogether.
But what if we tell you that these injections might soon become painless? You won’t have to feel the pinch?
Yes, you read it right!
Curexel Technologies is working to eliminate the pain from every injection.
Let’s know more about them!
Curexel Technologies: Startup on a mission to eliminate injection pain
Founded in 2023 in Bangalore, Curexel Technologies is working to redefine the injection experience. They aim to “Make injections painless for 8 billion people.”
And they are not just dreaming. They are building it!
With over 7 years of research at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bangalore, Curexel has developed an advanced drug delivery system to make injections painless.
A research-driven mission: From mosquito bite to medical breakthrough
The idea was sparked at IISc’s Mechatronics Lab, where Dr. Kedar Badnikar, along with co-founders Shreyas N J and Vasudha Narsimha, discovered microneedle technology.
Their inspiration, surprisingly, was the mosquito!
The mosquito’s bite is nearly painless as it subtly pierces the skin. Curexel borrowed that brilliance and paired it with science to make injections as painless as mosquito bites!
After years of trial and error, over 20 design iterations and countless tests, the team developed a user-friendly and commercially viable device. The clear goal of no pain, just precision, became the core of Curexel’s “patented” Micro-Needle Adapter Technology.
What began as a PhD project is now a startup with real momentum and a powerful promise.
So, how does Curexel’s painless injection actually work?
Curexel’s approach blends multiple innovations and mechanisms to effectively bypass the skin’s pain receptors. While it sounds complex, the result is that you barely feel a thing! It is effective and safe.
Here are its key components:
- Microneedles: Ultra-thin needles that penetrate only the uppermost layers of skin, avoiding nerve endings associated with pain.
- Jet injection systems: No needles, high-pressure stream that delivers medicine through the skin.
- Vibration and cooling techniques: These elements distract the skin’s pain response to minimise discomfort.
To add on, the device is fully mechanical, compact, disposable and built for real-world use. This makes it ideal for diverse clinical use from hospitals to home.
Where can it be used?
The potential use cases are impressive, especially in a country like India, where access and comfort are major healthcare challenges. Curexel’s device could support:
- Painless IV cannulation
- Blood sample collection
- Routine and mass vaccinations
- Local anaesthesia delivery
- At-home diagnostic services
For now, Curexel is focusing on intradermal drug delivery used for vaccines and allergy tests. They are working closely with diagnostic labs and hospitals to pilot painless blood collection.
Commitment to safety and innovation
What sets Curexel apart isn’t just its tech, it’s the people-first mindset. The team constantly collaborates with doctors, nurses, labs, and patients to refine the device.
Putting safety and reliability first, the team has rigorously tested their device through more than 20 design and performance iterations. They want to ensure it’s easy to use, hygienic, and completely safe for patients.
They aim to build solutions that not only meet medical standards but also truly work for the people who use it.
Recognition and industry support
Despite being a young startup, Curexel has already received multiple recognitions for innovation and impact:
- Medicall Healthcare Innovation Awards 2024
- Ramaiah Evolute Star Startup Award
- Featured at Global Bio India 2024
- Backed by Startup India’s Seed Fund Scheme (SISFS) through Venture Centre
What’s next?
The team is gearing up for clinical trials and regulatory approvals, with a launch expected within the next year.
Their immediate focus is the B2B healthcare space, supplying hospitals, labs, clinics and other healthcare providers.
Long-term, Curexel plans expanding its product line to support broader medical procedures and patient needs. It aims to bring a more comfortable experience to people across all ages, genders, and health conditions.
When asked about his future plans, Dr. Kedar Badnikar responded simply “To grow Curexel.” And with the vision, technology, and determination backing it, that growth seems inevitable.
-By Rinkle Dudhani and the AHT Team
