Cooler Heads Revolutionizes Scalp Cooling Technology
Cooler Heads, a groundbreaking medical device organization, has successfully completed an oversubscribed Series A funding round, raising an impressive $11 million. This significant financing will accelerate the production and distribution of Amma™, the only FDA-cleared portable scalp cooling system available. This device supports chemotherapy patients by helping them retain their hair and maintain their self-esteem, effectively addressing the challenging side effects frequently associated with chemotherapy.
Understanding the Impact of Hair Loss in Chemotherapy
Hair loss induced by chemotherapy can have a profound emotional impact on those receiving treatment. "Hair loss is so emotionally devastating that 8% of patients eligible for chemotherapy refuse treatment," stated Kate Dilligan, breast cancer survivor, and CEO of Cooler Heads. Dilligan emphasized how Amma™ presents a user-friendly solution for infusion centers, seamlessly integrating scalp cooling into standard treatment protocols. The upcoming decision by the American Medical Association to classify scalp cooling reimbursement codes as Category I starting January 2026 injects significant momentum into this initiative, solidifying scalp cooling's role as a fundamental aspect of cancer treatment.
How Amma™ Works: A Revolutionary Solution
By applying cooling technology before, during, and after chemotherapy sessions, Amma™ effectively diminishes blood flow to hair follicles, protecting them from the damaging effects of chemotherapy drugs and therefore, preventing hair loss. This innovative system offers continuous cooling without the need for dry ice or frequent cap replacements, presenting a more user-friendly alternative than traditional cooling methods.
Strong Support from Key Investors
The Series A funding was spearheaded by Mutual Capital Partners, a health technology-focused venture capital firm based in Cleveland, and included contributions from various partners such as SHD Partners, Cal Innovation Fund, Robin Hood Ventures, and others. This capital infusion will enable Cooler Heads to enhance its manufacturing capabilities, expand its sales team, and work on the next version of the Amma™ system.
Investors view Amma™ as a transformative advancement in cancer care, offering a pathway to enhance the quality of life for countless patients. Liz Todia Zambory, who led the investment from Mutual Capital Partners, remarked, "Our investment reflects our confidence in the leadership team to make scalp cooling readily available wherever patients undergo chemotherapy. Cooler Heads not only improves care but also simplifies the implementation of this technology for infusion centers.” Alongside Zambory, Mike Schotzinger from SHD Partners and Jason Pesterfield, CEO of Elucent Medical, joined Cooler Heads’ Board of Directors, further strengthening its leadership team.
Empowering Patients with Amma™
For many patients, Amma™ symbolizes more than just a technological advancement; it represents hope and empowerment during difficult times. Jennifer George, who underwent 16 cycles of chemotherapy with Amma™, shared, "In a process where so much is stripped away, scalp cooling helped me keep a part of myself intact, and that gave me strength." This testimony underscores the critical role that innovative solutions like Amma™ play in patient care.
Each success story reinforces Cooler Heads’ commitment to providing effective products and services, which are crucial in managing the sometimes overwhelming side effects of cancer treatments. Their mission is clear—improving patient experiences and quality of life during one of the most challenging journeys many will face.
Contact Information
For more details or patient support, please reach out to Cooler Heads via email at press@coolerheads.com
About Cooler Heads
Cooler Heads, founded by a cancer survivor and based in San Diego, is dedicated to developing evidence-based products and services that assist cancer patients in managing treatment-related side effects. Their mission extends beyond profit; it is about providing comprehensive support to those battling cancer, aiming to lessen both the physical and emotional burdens they face.
About Mutual Capital Partners
Mutual Capital Partners, a Cleveland-based venture capital firm, specializes in helping healthcare startups unlock their potential. They focus on backing innovative teams that are working to enhance patient outcomes, targeting medical device and healthcare IT companies outside of major technology hubs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Amma™?
Amma™ is a portable scalp cooling system designed to help chemotherapy patients retain their hair by reducing blood flow to hair follicles during treatment.
Who founded Cooler Heads?
Cooler Heads was founded by Kate Dilligan, a breast cancer survivor, who aims to improve the quality of life for cancer patients.
What was the recent funding Cooler Heads received for?
Cooler Heads secured an $11 million Series A funding to enhance manufacturing, expand its team, and develop the next generation of the Amma™ product.
How does scalp cooling work?
Scalp cooling works by lowering the temperature of the scalp to minimize blood flow to hair follicles, which helps protect them from chemotherapy-induced damage.
What are the future plans for Cooler Heads?
Cooler Heads plans to increase its manufacturing capacity, grow its commercial team, and innovate further on the Amma™ technology.
