LYVA Labs invests in Respiosa to advance next-generation treatment for sleep apnoea

Respiosa, a Liverpool City Region–based MedTech company developing an implant for obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA), has secured £125k investment from LYVA Labs as part of a £498k funding round alongside PXN’s PraeSeed Programme, NLC Health Ventures, and angel investors. The investment will support the company as it advances its next-generation device towards a pivotal study and commercialisation.

Advancing a new approach to sleep apnoea treatment

Obstructive sleep apnoea affects an estimated 11.7 million people across the company’s initial target markets and can lead to serious long-term health complications, including higher chance of having a stroke, high blood pressure, and heart disease . While a CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machine is currently considered the 'gold standard' treatment, many patients find it uncomfortable or disruptive to sleep, leading to low adherence and reduced effectiveness.

Respiosa is developing an oral implant that keeps the airway open during sleep. The device offers a minimally invasive and more comfortable alternative to a CPAP machine.

The technology was originally developed within Philips before being spun out and developed by NLC Health Ventures. The implant has early clinical validation, with three clinical studies already conducted demonstrating promising clinical effectiveness.

This latest investment will support component testing, a patient acceptance study, and development work needed to demonstrate durability and product quality ahead of future trials.

Experienced leadership driving development

Respiosa is led by CEO Steven Coughlin, an experienced entrepreneur in the sleep health sector with previous roles at NightBalance, NuvoAir, and Philips. The company is based in the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority area and plans to expand its development and commercial activities locally.

Steven Coughlin, Founder and CEO of Respiosa, said:

“We’re delighted to secure this investment, which will help us accelerate development of a treatment designed to genuinely improve the lives of people living with sleep apnoea. After many years working in this field, I’ve seen first-hand the challenges patients face with current therapies. Our goal is to deliver an option that is effective, comfortable and supports long-term adherence.” 

Supporting healthcare innovation in the Liverpool City Region

The investment highlights LYVA Labs’ commitment to supporting health-tech companies addressing major unmet clinical needs and building technologies with the potential for global impact.

Akshay Bhatnagar, Head of Investment at LYVA Labs, said:

“We’re proud to support Respiosa as it develops a transformative solution for obstructive sleep apnoea. The company’s strong clinical foundations, combined with Steven’s experience in the sleep health sector, make it a compelling investment opportunity.”

LYVA Labs, backed by the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, continues to invest in early-stage health and life sciences companies, ensuring that pioneering technologies developed in LCR have the support they need to scale globally.