LEM Surgical secures CHF 8.7 million to advance spinal surgery with robotic solutions

LEM Surgical has secured CHF 8.7 million in a Series A funding for its innovative “Sapien” robotic system.

LEM Surgical is making strides in advancing spinal surgery with its innovative robotic solutions. In a recent development, the company closed a Series A financing round of CHF 8.7 million, spearheaded by Ypsomed Group CEO Simon Michel, propelling the Bern-based company in into its next development phase.

Spinal cord injuries (SCIs) pose a significant health challenge, with approximately 18,000 new cases reported annually in the United States, according to the National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center. These injuries not only impact the quality of life but also increase the risk of premature death. Current surgical robots, though promising, have limitations in functionality and clinical value, leading to a low adoption rate in the medical field.

LEM Surgical is addressing these challenges head-on with the development of the “Sapien” system. This system promises to introduce advanced capabilities in spinal surgery, significantly improving clinical utilization. “Our expert team of 20 individuals based in Bern significantly progresses with the development of the ‘Sapien’ system, introducing game-changing capabilities and thereby offering significantly increased clinical utilization,” stated Yossi Bar, CEO of LEM Surgical.

Founded in June 2021 by a team of renowned experts including Stefan Weber, Andreas Raabe, Marco Matulic, Simon Michel, and Yossi Bar, LEM Surgical is not just another player in the field of surgical robotics. The company has been working diligently on Sapien, keeping it under wraps while developing a fully functional product. With a plan to unveil the product in less than a year, LEM Surgical aims to first target the US market, followed by launches in Switzerland and other countries, once necessary approvals are secured.

The Series A funding will be instrumental in furthering the development of Sapien and preparing for submission to the US FDA, expected in early 2024. Michel, reflecting on the team’s expertise, expressed confidence in LEM Surgical’s ability to deliver valuable solutions in orthopedic and spinal surgery: “The extraordinary composition of skills in the leadership team, and the experts on board convince me not only of the investment case but also that LEM will deliver truly beneficial solutions for patients and extraordinary value in the field of orthopaedic and especially spinal surgery.”