C42D client win: Teal Health receives FDA approval for first-ever at-home cervical cancer screening device

Breaking barriers in women’s health with a more comfortable, accessible approach

At C42D, we’re proud to celebrate a historic milestone for our client Teal Health: FDA approval of the Teal Wand™, the first and only at-home, self-collection device for cervical cancer screening.

Designed as a more empowering and comfortable alternative to the traditional Pap smear, the Teal Wand allows individuals to collect their own samples from home—no speculum, no stirrups, and no exam room necessary.

The FDA’s green light marks a major win not just for Teal Health, but for the millions of women and people with a cervix who have delayed or avoided cervical cancer screening due to discomfort, anxiety, or lack of access. It’s a moment that redefines what patient-centered care can look like.

As Kara Egan, CEO and co-founder of Teal Health, recently said:

“As a mom and a woman, I get how easy it is to put your own health last. That’s why this FDA approval means so much; it’s not just about an innovative new product, it’s about finally giving women an option that makes sense for their lives.”

Teal Health’s breakthrough comes at a critical time: cervical cancer remains one of the most preventable cancers, yet nearly 1 in 4 women in the U.S. are not up to date with their screenings. With the Teal Wand, that’s about to change.

This approval underscores what we already know at C42D: health startups are rewriting the rules. And bold, brand-driven companies like Teal Health are leading the charge by not just delivering a breakthrough product, but also reshaping the conversation around what compassionate, accessible care looks and feels like.

By building their brand around dignity and empowerment, Teal Health has created a moment of agency in a space that has often felt clinical, uncomfortable, or even traumatic for many. Through clear, confident messaging and deeply intentional design, Teal is elevating the standard for how care is communicated and delivered. They’re creating space for people to feel seen, heard, and in control, effectively bringing humanity back into women’s healthcare. This is what happens when visionary health startups lead with both science and storytelling. And it’s redefining what compassionate care truly means.

Congratulations to the Teal Health team for reshaping the future of screening and championing greater health equity for all.