09-05-2025
Bone Health Technologies launches OsteoBoost vibrating belt to combat loss of bone density
From the San Francisco Business Times.
One of the most debilitating and potentially deadly effects of aging is the loss of bone density, but a Bay Area startup has launched a unique device that a study showed can help slow that process.
Called OsteoBoost, the device is a vibrating belt that sends "low-amplitude, high-frequency" vibrations to the hips and spine, according to a de novo approval that the Food and Drug Administration that was granted early last year. The belt is designed for postmenopausal women with low bone density, or osteopenia — a precursor to osteoporosis — and can be worn throughout the day without impeding normal daily activities like walking.
The startup was developed by Redwood City-based Bone Health Technologies, a startup that was spun out of a San Francisco-based medical device incubator called TheraNova in 2018. It's one of a handful of companies focused on addressing women's health issues, and has raised $11 million from investors including Esplanade Ventures, Berkeley Catalyst Fund and Terumo Medical.
Although bone density loss affects all bodies, women are particularly vulnerable due to the impact of menopause, which causes accelerated aging from the rapid decline of the hormone estrogen. Around one-third of people older than 50 are estimated to have osteopenia in the U.S., according to the Cleveland Clinic.
"You look in the App Store, for instance, under osteoporosis, there's not much there compared to diabetes or depression or high blood pressure, which, of course, are also very important," Bone Health CEO Laura Yecies said. "I believe this deserves that level of attention, and we shouldn't just accept that older women get frail."
