Two rival medical device companies specialising in scalp cooling technologies for cancer patients are merging to form a “stronger” company.
UK-based Paxman and Sweden’s Dignitana are both major players in the scalp-cooling sector, offering technologies aimed at reducing hair loss in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.
Paxman’s cooling caps and Dignitana’s DigniCap Scalp Cooling System circulate coolant to reduce blood flow to the scalp, thereby minimising the amount of chemotherapy drugs that reach the hair follicle cells.
Related: Kandu Health and Neurolutions merge into BCI company targeting stroke care
DigniCap was cleared by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2015 based on a 226-patient study in which the device prevented hair loss in 66.3% of patients with breast cancer receiving adjuvant chemotherapy, in comparison to a control group where all patients experienced significant hair loss.
According to the companies, scalp cooling devices currently treat only 1% of applicable patients, signifying a vast growth opportunity, with the US a particular focus for the newly combined entity. As Paxman AB, the merged companies expect the consolidation to strengthen industry connections, market opportunities, and patient outcomes.
Financial terms of the merger have not been publicly disclosed.
Paxman CEO Richard Paxman commented: “The merger provides exciting growth opportunities, enabling further investment in market expansion and R&D for both companies.
“Merging the best parts of both Paxman and Dignitana brings not only commercial benefits, but also benefits to both the customer and, of course, ultimately our patients.”
Paxman said navigating the insurance reimbursement landscape in the US will remain a key priority. Following the merger, the company stated that the “undeniable synergistic value” would help Paxman to successfully navigate the US reimbursement landscape, a factor likely to be helped by Dignitana’s existing site presence in Dallas, Texas.
As Paxman AB, the newly merged entity will prioritise the planned Q2 2026 commercialisation of Paxman’s limb cryocompression system, aimed at preventing or reducing chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN).
An effect of cancer treatment, CIPN causes symptoms such as tingling, numbness, pain, and burning sensations that are typically felt in the hands and feet. The condition presents a large unmet need, with no treatments that can prevent or mitigate CIPN currently available.
