Akeyna’s Smart Needle: Worcester Startup in Auxilium Cohort Targets Safer Injections
WORCESTER, MA-Karen Cronholm, the CEO of Akeyna, Inc., and part of the historic first cohort of Auxilium stops by the Talk of the Commonwealth to tell us about her business and how Auxilium is providing assistance.
Cronholm discussed her company’s medical device, a smart needle with a sensor designed to detect blood vessels. She explained its initial application was to prevent serious complications, such as blindness and skin necrosis, from the accidental injection of dermal fillers into blood vessels. “We really want to provide peace of mind to patients, to physicians with our technology, help them feel more comfortable and confident when they do critical injections…”
The company is navigating the lengthy FDA clearance process for its medical device and anticipated bringing the product to market in 2028. Akenya is a member of the inaugural cohort of the Auxilium accelerator program in Worcester, which provided vital support in areas like fundraising, legal expertise, and manufacturing connections.
The company name, Akeyna, was chosen for its roots in the word “peace,” reflecting the goal of providing peace of mind to both physicians and patients during medical procedures.
