Australis Scientific secures USD $6m to advance smart bladder patch
Australian medtech company Australis Scientific has secured an initial USD $6 million investment from Japanese healthcare business Rohto Pharmaceutical. The funding aims to accelerate trials and expansion for a new wearable patch designed to treat overactive bladder and urinary incontinence.
Investment backing
The funding round, led by Rohto Pharmaceutical, marks a strategic move for Australis Scientific as it brings its Confidanz Smart Patch closer to market. The device is a discreet patch, worn near the ankle, that applies neuromodulation to address bladder symptoms at home. Overactive bladder affects more than 400 million people globally, including 12.5 million adults in Japan.
The investment will be used to advance clinical trials in Australia and prepare regulatory submissions in key markets, including the US and Japan. Expansion into Asia is a priority, leveraging Rohto's established distribution channels in Japan and China.
Ageing population
Bursting demand for bladder health solutions reflects an ageing demographic in the region. Japan faces a significant public health challenge due to a growing proportion of elderly citizens. The Japanese Continence Society reports that more than 12.5 million people in Japan are affected by overactive bladder. By 2023, adult diaper usage is expected to total 1.8 million tonnes annually, outstripping infant diaper sales and contributing to waste management concerns.
Non-invasive alternative
The Confidanz Smart Patch employs tibial nerve stimulation and is monitored remotely by urologists via a mobile app. This offers an alternative to surgery and medication, enabling patients to access therapy at home and potentially improving care for those in regional and remote areas.
Australis Scientific is aiming to receive regulatory approval in Australia through the Therapeutic Goods Administration, in the US through the Food and Drug Administration, and in Japan through the Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency. The company is also pursuing a licensing pathway in China, where expedited regulatory channels could allow earlier patient access than in some Western markets.
Strategic partnership
By participating in the funding round, Rohto Pharmaceutical has extended its reach into digital therapeutics and medical devices. The company's international strategy is increasingly focused on health needs arising from ageing populations in both Japan and China.
"Rohto invested in Australis Scientific because their smart patch offers a scalable, patient-centric way to treat overactive bladder at home, in line with our focus on healthy longevity," said Hidetoshi Segi, President and Representative Director, Rohto Pharmaceutical. "We believe this combination of neuromodulation and digital therapeutics can create a new category in urinary incontinence care."
"It is Rohto's pathway to bring well-being to an aging world, bridging our trusted distribution with groundbreaking health technology," said Takako Hirata, Vice President of International Business Development, Rohto Pharmaceutical.
Recognition and trials
Australis Scientific has also been recognised as the 2025 MedTech Innovator Asia Pacific Grand Prize winner in Singapore. The award comes with USD $175,000 in funding and highlights the company's role in addressing global bladder health needs. The company was selected from over 300 entrants across 25 countries.
"To be recognised as the leading medtech innovator in Asia Pacific is both humbling and motivating," said Nicky Agahari, Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer, Australis Scientific. "Confidanz has the potential to transform how millions of people manage bladder health. It's simple, discreet, and brings proven clinical therapy into the home."
"Winning this award is a significant and material milestone for the business. It gives us visibility, resources, and regional partnerships to accelerate our goal of improving bladder health for people everywhere," said Agahari.
