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Comma Innovations: Enhancing Reproductive Health

On February 5, 2025, Nashville-based Comma, a female-driven period care company, made waves by launching their innovative period tracking app, Sara™, and announcing a successful $2 million seed funding round. This strategic funding will bolster their mission to reshape the landscape of reproductive health through personalized science and data privacy.

The backdrop of Comma's launch is marked by significant concerns in the U.S. regarding reproductive health, specifically related to privacy and access issues stemming from recent political shifts around reproductive rights. As Roe v. Wade faced rollbacks and vital resources like ReproductiveRights.gov shut down, the need for secure, reliable health information has never been greater. Comma addresses this gap by providing a platform that emphasizes safety and autonomy in reproductive health management.

With the guidance of experts specialized in reproductive health and cybersecurity, Comma has devoted the last two years to developing innovative technologies and sustainable consumer products. Their goal is to empower individuals with insights derived from their menstrual health. The company emerged victorious from the Techstars Physical Health accelerator program in 2023, which has helped pave the way for their current funding success, with a significant portion of their investors being women—reflecting Comma's commitment to prioritize the voices and experiences of those most affected by reproductive health issues.

Trey Bowles, Managing Director of Techstars Physical Health, stated, "Comma is approaching menstrual health in a holistic way that hasn't been done before in both consumer products and technology spaces. We're proud to invest in a more secure, sustainable future through this partnership."

The centerpiece of Comma's offering, Sara™, is not merely a period tracker—it's a secure health assistant specifically designed for women's reproductive health. The app assists users in identifying patterns and potential health concerns in their cycles while providing guidance and connections to relevant healthcare partners. After rigorous user beta testing, Comma was able to adapt and enhance multiple features, responding specifically to user feedback with the introduction of a secure pregnancy tracking option.

Data security remains a core principle of Comma's mission. They view menstrual data not as mere statistics, but as personal health information akin to results from clinical trials or lab tests. To this end, Comma has incorporated industry-leading security practices inspired by HIPAA guidelines, ensuring that all user data remains confidential. The app’s architecture as a progressive web app (PWA) allows users to access it via a browser, thus eliminating the need for traditional downloads that could compromise privacy. This approach ensures that user metadata remains untracked, preserving their information’s confidentiality.

Miller Morris, M.A., M.P.H., founder and CEO of Comma, emphasized the importance of privacy by stating, "People shouldn't have to choose between a better understanding of their bodies and the threat of surveillance. That is why we built Comma with security and autonomy at the forefront. Even as policies restricting reproductive rights surface, we remain committed to protecting user data and building community. Consumers deserve better, period."

The vision behind Comma extends beyond technology solutions. The company is poised to innovate in reproductive health through breakthroughs such as using menstrual blood to identify potential health complications, along with plans for the introduction of the first-ever biodegradable single-use period product made from compostable plant-based bio-resin and 100% organic cotton. Their commitment to environmental sustainability aligns with reducing menstrual healthcare’s ecological footprint while revolutionizing product offerings in the sector.

In the pipeline, Comma aims to roll out a send-back diagnostics service, channeling used period products from landfills to laboratories, marking a pioneering step in the utilization of menstrual blood biomarkers in healthcare applications.

To join the movement and explore Sara™, head over to www.yourcomma.com/meet-sara. Comma is on a mission to transform reproductive health one period at a time, combining technology, sustainable practices, and extensive healthcare insights to support users in reclaiming control over their reproductive journeys.

Learn more about Comma and its unique approach to menstrual health at yourcomma.com.