Ylvali Gerling is a guest on the podcast Innovationslandet – about IQoro and the future of healthcare
MYoroface CEO and co-founder Ylvali Gerling recently participated in the Swedish podcast Innovationslandet, where she spoke about the company’s background, the medical technology innovation IQoro, and the challenges of establishing innovative treatment methods within Swedish healthcare.
The podcast Innovationslandet is hosted by researcher and science communicator Emma Frans, who meets some of the country’s leading researchers, engineers, and innovators to discuss their solutions and how they can positively impact society.
In the episode with Ylvali Gerling, they discussed how IQoro can help patients with issues such as reflux problems, sleep apnea, and swallowing difficulties (dysphagia). The treatment method is based on research by Ylvali’s mother, Mary Hägg, a dentist with a strong interest in neurology and swallowing function.
“We offer a neuromuscular treatment that addresses the root cause of reflux problems, snoring, sleep apnea, and eating and swallowing difficulties,” explained Ylvali Gerling in the podcast.
International Breakthrough – but Challenges in Sweden
Despite IQoro being procured by the NHS, the UK’s public healthcare system, the product still faces challenges in entering the Swedish healthcare system. According to Ylvali Gerling, this is due to Sweden’s fragmented procurement system, where each region has its own processes.
“Sweden is divided into 21 different regions, which means that as a small company, we must approach them as if they were 21 different countries. It requires enormous resources and time,” she explained.
In contrast, the UK has a more centralized process where new treatments are evaluated and can be approved for national use.
Costs and Challenges of Commercializing Innovation
During the conversation, Ylvali Gerling also highlighted the financial challenges of driving innovation in medical technology. Developing a new treatment method and gaining acceptance within healthcare requires extensive research, clinical studies, and regulatory approvals – processes that demand both time and resources.
“For a medical technology solution to reach the market and make a real difference, commercialization is essential. This process is often underestimated and can be particularly difficult for smaller companies, as investments are needed early while profits come much later,” she explained.
She also described how healthcare procurement is often structured in a way that favors already established solutions rather than innovations that could streamline care and reduce the need for medication.
The Future of Medical Technology in Healthcare
Ylvali Gerling also emphasized the importance of medical technology innovations for the future of healthcare. She envisions a future where more treatments take place outside hospitals, which could ease the burden on healthcare systems and improve patients’ quality of life.
“We see great potential for medical technology solutions to streamline healthcare and give patients the opportunity to receive treatment in their own homes,” she said in the podcast.
MYoroface is now focusing on continued international expansion, with growing demand for IQoro, particularly in countries such as the US and India. At the same time, the company continues working to strengthen its presence in Swedish healthcare and create more opportunities for patients to access the treatment.
🎧 Listen to the full episode of Innovationslandet here (in Swedish)