DermatoTherma

DermatoTherma, founded by Davide Paparo and Ian Caetano Rodrigues Häusler, originated as a bachelor’s thesis at the School of Engineering at ZHAW Zurich University of Applied Sciences, with a primary focus on addressing the neglected skin disease cutaneous leishmaniasis.

Cutaneous leishmaniasis, caused by sandfly bites carrying Leishmania parasites, results in disfiguring skin sores. Current treatment involves painful injections with severe side effects. In response to this critical issue, DermatoTherma’s founders developed Clara, a cutting-edge device that uses electromagnetic waves to deliver local heat applications for effective cutaneous leishmaniasis treatment. Clara’s precise heat reaches up to 6 millimetres beneath the skin’s surface, ensuring safety and uniform therapy without hotspots.

The company is committed to making treatments even safer through its innovative temperature measurement and control method, eliminating temperature overshoot and thus preventing second-degree burns. DermatoTherma’s mission is to raise awareness of neglected diseases and develop innovative, accessible treatment solutions to help achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals.