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EDMOND-BASED WOMEN’S HEALTHCARE COMPANY, WATKINS-CONTI, LAUNCHES FDA-CLEARED THE YŌNI.FIT® IN OKLAHOMA

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Groundbreaking Women’s Pelvic Health Device Available in Partnership with Local Healthcare Providers, including Lakeside Doctors and Urogynecology of Oklahoma

EDMOND, Okla., Aug. 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Watkins-Conti Products, Inc. (“Watkins-Conti”), an Edmond-based leader in women’s pelvic health solutions, announces the official launch of the Yōni.Fit® Bladder Support (“Yōni.Fit®”), starting immediately with its home market in Oklahoma and national distribution anticipated in the fourth quarter, following its recent 510(k) clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The Yōni.Fit® and its FDA clearance represents a substantial milestone for the temporary management of SUI.

The Yōni.Fit® and its FDA clearance represents a substantial milestone as a non-surgical option for the temporary management of stress urinary incontinence (SUI) in women aged 18 and older. Urinary incontinence is a condition that is estimated to affect about 2 in 3 women in the U.S. at some point in their lives, negatively impacting quality of life and emotional well-being.

The Yōni.Fit® is available by prescription starting Aug. 26 through primary healthcare providers and may be covered by insurance. Watkins-Conti has strategically partnered with several esteemed Oklahoma City healthcare providers, including Lakeside Doctors and Urogynecology of Oklahoma, where the product is launching. Additional collaborations with Variety Care and Mercy are also underway, with Thrifty Pharmacy currently as the company’s first local pharmacy partner.

“Lakeside holds a special place in my heart. It’s where I delivered both of my children, and the challenges I faced after my second delivery directly inspired the creation of the Yōni.Fit®,” said Allison L. Watkins, founder and CEO of Watkins-Conti. “Bringing this product to market in partnership with Lakeside is a full-circle moment. We are thrilled to launch the Yōni.Fit® first in Oklahoma and work alongside such respected healthcare and pharmacy institutions.”

“Educating providers about the Yōni.Fit® has been incredibly rewarding. Providers are excited to hear that they will now have an FDA approved, accessible way to treat stress urinary incontinence in the office,” said Dr. Kate Arnold, Watkins-Conti Chief Medical Officer. “Before the Yōni.Fit®, treatment options were limited in what OBGYNs and family medicine providers could do. Now, providers can prescribe the Yōni.Fit® to treat patients immediately without the need for additional appointments or invasive procedures. Providers are excited to help women reclaim their lives.”

Patients looking to obtain the Yōni.Fit® can schedule appointments at Lakeside Doctors, Urogynecology of Oklahoma or Mercy, and once prescribed can pick up at one of two Thrifty Pharmacy locations. 

“I look forward to having this new solution for my patients who leak urine with exercise, laughing, or coughing,” said Dr. Dana Stone, OBGYN, Lakeside Doctors. “Controlling urine loss gives women back their confidence and favorite activities.”

“I understand that the more informed the patient is, the better decisions they can make about their health,” said Dr. Arielle Allen, Urogynecology Female Pelvic Medicine at INTEGRIS Health and Urogynecology of Oklahoma. “As a urogynecologist specializing in female pelvic medicine, I am looking forward to having another non-invasive, FDA-cleared option for women experiencing stress urinary incontinence.”

The Yōni.Fit® is crafted in the U.S. from 100% medical-grade silicone. This soft, flexible vaginal insert effectively reduces urine leaks without inhibiting voluntary urination. It is self-administered and can be used during specific activities, after recently giving birth, going through menopause, or for up to 12 hours for broad symptom management.

“I already have a patient ready for this…just saw her last week and as soon as we have it, she will be ready for her device,” said Lydia D. Nightingale, MD, Vice President Medical Affairs at Variety Care. “She wants it for when she plays pickleball. Can’t wait! This will be so great for the women of Oklahoma (and others as well).”

“This product not only provides an alternative and convenient solution, but also one that is accessible to a diverse range of women,” Arnold said.

The Yōni.Fit® is thoughtfully designed to comfortably and effectively meet the needs of women of all shapes and sizes, as well as women residing in rural areas and medically underserved communities, for whom access to surgical treatments may be challenging. By providing a convenient, non-invasive solution, the Yōni.Fit® ensures that more women can manage their pelvic health effectively, regardless of their geographic location or healthcare access limitations.

Dani Lynch, Owner, Thrifty Pharmacy said, “We are excited to partner with Watkins-Conti Products, and to be the first pharmacy provider for the Yōni.Fit® in the state of Oklahoma. We have worked with and followed Allison Watkins through the years of development and it’s great to see her dream of helping women with incontinence problems finally come true. The Yōni.Fit® will be available by prescription only at both of our Thrifty Pharmacy locations at 10904 N. May in Oklahoma City, and 230 S. Santa Fe in Edmond.” 

The launch of the Yōni.Fit® follows a rigorous randomized, controlled, single-blind, multi-center clinical study, and was conducted by urogynecologists at top medical centers, including Stanford Health Care, NYU Langone, and Thomas Jefferson Health. Results showed a significant reduction in 12-hour pad weights among users of the Yōni.Fit® compared to a control device, with mild to moderate adverse events reported and no serious adverse events related to the product. Further ongoing support, including plenary sessions at scientific conferences, was provided by the American Urogynecologic Society (AUGS) and Society of Urodynamics, Female Pelvic Medicine & Urogenital Reconstruction (SUFU). An abstract of the study can be found online at ClinicalTrials.gov.

“My lived experience as a new mother with SUI gave me the inspiration for the Yōni.Fit®,” Watkins said. “The options available at the time did not suit my needs as a working mom with two small children. Listening to patients and innovating accordingly is at the heart of what we do at Watkins-Conti. We are committed to developing innovative, accessible solutions for women’s pelvic health, with the Yōni.Fit® as a cornerstone of that mission.”

For more information and details about the Yōni.Fit®, visit Yōni.Fit.com.

About Watkins-Conti Products, Inc.
Founded by entrepreneur and inventor Allison L. Watkins, Watkins-Conti is an American healthcare company that develops innovative and accessible solutions for women’s pelvic health. Watkins-Conti is developing a pipeline of treatments and diagnostics that address women’s reproductive, sexual, and pelvic health — with the ultimate goal of getting women everywhere the care they deserve. The company’s flagship product, the Yōni.Fit®, is the first patient-designed, non-surgical device designed to relieve the symptoms of stress urinary incontinence. Based in Edmond, Oklahoma, Watkins-Conti holds numerous utility patents, design patents, and trademarks in the U.S. and abroad. For more information, visit WatkinsContiProducts.com and LinkedIn.

Media Contact
Anthony Triana
atriana@saxum.com
405-818-0791

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SOURCE Watkins-Conti Products, Inc.

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The AmeriFlex Group® Celebrates Record-Breaking Year Supporting 53 Advisor Transitions and Bringing more than $3.4 Billion in Total Client Assets to the Firm

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Award-Winning Hybrid RIA is Home to 206 Total Advisors in 29 States, Representing More than $14.6 Billion in Total Client Assets

LAS VEGAS, Jan. 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The AmeriFlex Group®, a rapidly growing, advisor-owned hybrid RIA that puts financial planning first, today celebrated the completion of a record-breaking year in which it welcomed 53 advisors and increased its total client assets by more than $3.4 billion. The AmeriFlex Group® ended the year with 206 total advisors in 29 states, with approximately $14.6 billion in assets under administration (AUA), an increase of 35% year over year.

The AmeriFlex Group® Founder and CEO, Thomas Goodson, said, “We have seen a significant increase in demand for stability during transition periods. From growing their practice to transitioning out of the business, our innovative programs provide advisors with the solutions they need to reach their goals, regardless of the stage of their career.”

Innovative Programming Driving Growth
The AmeriFlex Group® has long developed forward-thinking approaches and programs to address issues facing advisors.

The firm’s award-winning SuccessionFlex® program allows advisors to authorize a succession and continuity agreement with the firm that includes an option to sell 30% to 40% of their current revenue stream to The AmeriFlex Group® with no minority ownership discount.The AmeriFlex Premier+ platform — a proprietary, high-tech financial planning solution that equips advisors to deliver an elevated service experience and helps clients envision the outcome of their planning goals, leading to more informed financial decisions — opened to affiliated advisors. The AmeriFlex Group® partner advisors can collaborate with the AmeriFlex Premier+ team to create more share of wallet.The AmeriFlex Group® acquired The W Source™ in the spring, bringing in-house this unique professional platform facilitating women-to-women networking opportunities across industries on a local and national level. The strategic acquisition positions the firm to reach its ambitious goal of parity between men and women partners.

The Advisor Transition Network
In 2024, the AmeriFlex Group® launched the Advisor Transition Network (ATN), a national platform designed to connect qualified buyers and sellers of financial advisory practices. The network provides a confidential marketplace where financial advisors can transition their businesses. ATN has established a growing network of prepared buyers representing over 200 qualified advisors.

“By launching the Advisor Transition Network, we have delivered something so many advisors need – a straightforward way to sell their business to a qualified buyer,” Goodson added. “With more than 200 individuals and offices nationwide, supported by the experienced succession specialists at The AmeriFlex Group ®, advisors preparing to depart the industry may not have ever had a better option to transition toward retirement so seamlessly.”

For advisors considering initiating a succession plan within the next five years, The AmeriFlex Group® provides a one-stop-shop to build and execute a plan with the support of an award-winning succession team.

Jesse Kurrasch, The AmeriFlex Group® COO, noted, “Over the past several years, we have delivered customized succession plans that maximize the value of an advisor’s life work.”

Continued Growth Earns Industry Awards
The AmeriFlex Group® was named a finalist in the 2024 Wealth Management Industry Awards category for its succession program. Investment News identified the firm as the fastest-growing RIA in 2024, and Goodson was named the Executive of the Year by the ThinkAdvisor LUMINARIES program.

About The AmeriFlex Group:
The AmeriFlex Group® is recognized as The Home for Hybrids® (www.HomeForHybrids.com) – BD/RIA Transitional Wealth Planners™ (financial advisors). The RIA is owned-and-operated by its advisor members and partners. Securities offered through Osaic, member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advisory services offered through The AmeriFlex® Group®, an Independent Registered Investment Advisor. Osaic is separately owned and other entities and/or marketing names, products or services referenced here are independent of Osaic. Insurance is offered independent of Osaic. 8475 W Sunset Road, Suite 101, Las Vegas, NV 89113.

Media Contact:
Haven Tower Group
Donald C. Cutler
424.317.4864
dcutler@haventower.com 

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/the-ameriflex-group-celebrates-record-breaking-year-supporting-53-advisor-transitions-and-bringing-more-than-3-4-billion-in-total-client-assets-to-the-firm-302345246.html

SOURCE The AmeriFlex Group

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Aperture Announces Strategic Majority Investment from Genstar Capital

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Investment to accelerate growth for national forensic expert services platform through expansion across service offerings and geographies

ARLINGTON, Texas, Jan. 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Aperture, LLC (“Aperture” or the “Company”), a national platform of best-in-class forensic experts, today announced a strategic majority investment from Genstar Capital (“Genstar”), a leading private equity firm focused on investments in targeted segments of the financial services, software, healthcare, and industrials industries.

Aperture is a full-service provider of forensic expert witness services, providing accident reconstruction, premises liability, biomechanical and human factor analysis, construction disputes, and commercial litigation services. Headquartered in Arlington, Texas, the Company services over 11,000 cases annually across its client base that includes law firms, insurance carriers, and corporations. Aperture’s strategic focus on delivering unbiased expertise and fostering deep customer relationships has driven its strong growth, leading to exceptional client retention and customer satisfaction.

The Company has expanded over the past five years through nine acquisitions, diversifying its service lines, geographic reach, and customer base while building world-class operations, facilities, and technology intended to enable experts to better serve customers. Today, Aperture serves over 2,500 clients with 15 offices across the US.

Robert E. Joyce, Jr., CEO and President of Aperture, said, “Aperture is known for the world class expertise of our employees and our client-first approach. We are proud to have built Aperture into both an employer of choice and partner of choice in the industry, enabling professionals to better serve customers and build meaningful careers. Our partnership with Genstar is a testament to the platform we have built and positions us to accelerate our growth strategy, expand our service offerings, and continue delivering tremendous value to our clients.”

Matt McCabe, Director at Genstar, said, “We’ve been following Aperture’s transformation for several years and are proud to partner with Rob and the entire management team as they continue to scale and drive value for their clients. Aperture is well-positioned to achieve outsized growth, and we are excited to invest further in developing new and expanding existing markets, both organically and through M&A.”

Ropes & Gray LLP provided legal counsel and William Blair & Company LLC served as financial advisor to Genstar.

About Aperture

Aperture is a full-service provider of forensic expertise and litigation dispute support services in the areas of accident reconstruction, biomechanical engineering, construction, economic damages, human factors, intellectual property, premises liability, and workplace safety. Aperture’s headquarters is in Arlington, Texas, with additional locations in California, Colorado, Massachusetts, Nevada, New Mexico, Texas, and Wisconsin. For more information, visit www.aperturellc.com.

About Genstar Capital

Genstar Capital (www.gencap.com) is a leading private equity firm that has been actively investing in high-quality companies for over 30 years. Based in San Francisco, Genstar works in partnership with its management teams and its network of strategic advisors to transform its portfolio companies into industry-leading businesses. Genstar currently has approximately $49 billion of assets under management and targets investments focused on targeted segments of the financial services, software, healthcare, and industrials industries.

Media Contacts:

For Aperture
Chad Smith
VP of Marketing and Business Development
chad.smith@aperturellc.com

For Genstar Capital
FGS Global
GenstarCapital@fgsglobal.com

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/aperture-announces-strategic-majority-investment-from-genstar-capital-302345197.html

SOURCE Genstar Capital

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Poshmark Announces Partnership with Loop to Transform Missed Returns into Resale Opportunities

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The leading fashion resale marketplace empowers consumers to turn non-returnable items into cash, doubling down on commitment to sustainability amid stricter return policies

REDWOOD CITY, Calif. and COLUMBUS, Ohio, Jan. 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Poshmark, a leading fashion resale marketplace powered by a vibrant community, together with Loop, the leading commerce operations platform for Shopify brands, today announced a first-of-its-kind partnership that addresses a common consumer pain point — missing a return window or attempting to return a final sale item — by offering a sustainable and financially rewarding alternative to recoup expenses. Available to the millions of U.S. shoppers across Loop’s network of merchants, this partnership creates a path for consumers to quickly and easily resell non-returnable items on Poshmark, transforming a negative returns experience into a positive one while in turn creating new revenue streams for the merchants. This innovative resale integration is a first for Loop’s merchants, marking a significant step forward in the fashion industry’s efforts to reduce waste and promote sustainability.

Retailers are grappling with the rising costs and environmental impact of returns, where many have tightened their return policies to mitigate these costs. During the holiday shopping period from November 1 – December 24, online spending grew 6.7% (Mastercard), and the total value of returns between December 26-30 increased 8% year-over-year (Loop). What’s more, during those five days alone, there was over $67.6 million of merchandise returned to Loop brands, and listings on Poshmark with “missed return” in the description grew nearly 50%. This surge in activity has amplified the challenges both retailers and consumers face, but has also presented a unique opportunity for innovation to minimize frustration and unnecessary waste.

“At Poshmark, we believe shopping and selling should be simple, social, and sustainable,” said Steven Tristan Young, Chief Marketing Officer at Poshmark. “After observing an increase in Poshmark listings mentioning missing the return window, we saw an opportunity to create a sustainable solution. Partnering with a market-leader like Loop allows us to offer resale as an alternative, creating a more convenient experience for both buyers and sellers, putting money back in their wallets, and keeping more items in circulation.”

This partnership is another example of how Poshmark is simplifying the resale experience by pioneering new tools to help its community succeed, and comes on the heels of its sellers collectively earning over $8 billion on the platform to date. What’s more, this partnership unlocks additional desirable inventory for Poshmark’s community to shop from Loop merchants, including Rothy’s, one of the most beloved brands on Poshmark.

“In partnership with Loop and Poshmark, we are redefining sustainable shopping,” said Dayna Quanbeck, President at Rothy’s. “Washable and remarkably durable, Rothy’s products are designed to stay in the loop as long as possible. Now with our Poshmark x Loop integration, we’re taking a step toward a truly circular fashion economy. By transforming non-returnable items into resale opportunities with just one click, we’re empowering our customers to reduce waste and extend the life of their Rothy’s. We’re proud to be at the forefront of offering practical, sustainable solutions for today’s shoppers.”

Loop’s U.S. merchants interested in enabling this experience for their consumers can do so with a simple click of a button in their Loop account. Once enabled, consumers who are initiating a return through their returns portal will see a “Resell on Poshmark” button next to any items that are not eligible for return. One click produces a complete, pre-filled listing on Poshmark with item details — a strong improvement from the previous experience, where the customer simply faced a dead-end.

“Loop’s collaboration with Poshmark exemplifies the future of returns, where ease of use meets sustainability,” said Hannah Bravo, CEO of Loop. “Together, we’re helping brands and consumers embrace resale as a simple, single-click experience, supporting a thriving circular economy while driving meaningful engagement and value for all.”

About Poshmark
Poshmark is a leading fashion resale marketplace powered by a vibrant, highly engaged community of buyers and sellers and real-time social experiences. Designed to make online selling fun, more social and easier than ever, Poshmark empowers its sellers to turn their closet into a thriving business and share their style with the world. Since its founding in 2011, Poshmark has grown its community to over 130 million users and generated over $10 billion in GMV, helping sellers realize billions in earnings, delighting buyers with deals and one-of-a-kind items, and building a more sustainable future for fashion. For more information, please visit www.poshmark.com, and for company news, visit newsroom.poshmark.com.

About Loop
Loop is the leading commerce operations platform optimizing returns, exchanges, and reverse logistics at scale for more than 4,000 of the world’s most-loved Shopify brands. Through innovative solutions like Workflows, Instant Exchanges, Shop Now, Bonus Credit, and Offset, Loop helps global brands unlock cost savings, increase customer lifetime value, and retain more revenue. Its enterprise-level service delivery and breadth of integration partners make Loop the most agile and resilient returns solution for any retail brand. Loop has processed over 55 million returns and counting and has helped merchants retain more than $2 billion in revenue over the past five years. Learn more at www.loopreturns.com.

Media Contacts
Poshmark: pr@poshmark.com
Loop: loop@walkersands.com

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/poshmark-announces-partnership-with-loop-to-transform-missed-returns-into-resale-opportunities-302344744.html

SOURCE Poshmark, Inc.

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