In a world where one in five people suffers from trypanophobia—the fear of needles—Curexel Technologies is on a mission to make injections painless  for everyone. Founded in 2023 after seven years of intense research at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Curexel with its flagship product, Painless  injection technology platform (Curexel Intradermal Device) and its innovative technology promises to make the anxiety, discomfort, and pain of injections a thing of the past. 

The story of Curexel is rooted in empathy and science. Its founder, motivated by a personal experience with a loved one battling the pain and fear of needle-based treatments, envisioned a solution that could potentially transform healthcare forever. Today, with Painless  injection technology platform, that vision is taking shape, turning the seemingly simple act of an injection into something revolutionary. 

The Science of Pain-Free 

Curexel’s Painless injection technology platform draws inspiration from one of nature’s most efficient (and least appreciated) designs: the mosquito. If you’ve ever wondered why you don’t feel the sting of a mosquito bite until later, it’s because of its ingenious mechanism. This Painless injection technology platform mimics this natural process to deliver injections that are not only effective but completely painless. 

Here’s how it works: a needle so fine and discreet that it’s virtually invisible administers a numbing agent just 1 to 1.5 mm below the skin, avoiding deep nerve endings. Within just 20 seconds, the area is numb, allowing subsequent procedures like IV cannulation or blood sampling to be performed without a hint of pain. By combining biomimicry, cutting-edge design, and medical precision, Curexel is redefining how we think about injections. 

The result is not just a device but an entirely new experience—one where patients no longer dread the sight of a syringe, and healthcare professionals can administer treatments without the emotional and physical challenges typically associated with needles. 

Why Does this Painless Injection Technology Platform Stand Out? 

Traditional pain relief methods like numbing creams and microneedles have long been used to make medical procedures more bearable. But they come with limitations. Numbing creams, for instance, can take over an hour to kick in, a luxury many invasive medical procedures cannot afford. This painless injection technology platform changes the game by delivering rapid, localized numbing within seconds, combining speed, precision, and simplicity. 

The painless injection technology platform is also a drug-agnostic platform, meaning it can retrofit onto any standard syringe and work with any injectable medication. This versatility makes it suitable for everything from routine vaccinations like BCG and IPV to more critical interventions such as chemotherapy, dialysis, and blood collection. In India alone, 1.5 billion needle-based procedures take place annually, each accompanied by some degree of pain and discomfort. Imagine the possibilities if even a fraction of these were pain-free. 

Transforming Lives Beyond Painless Injection Technology Platform 

While the Painless injection technology platform is Curexel’s first step toward a painless future, it is far from their last. The team is hard at work on their next innovation: a painless insulin delivery pen aimed at transforming diabetes management. Globally, over 200 million people rely on insulin injections daily, yet around 30% of them hesitate to start therapy due to the associated pain. This reluctance can lead to severe complications, including neuropathy, retinopathy, and cardiovascular diseases. Curexel’s painless insulin pen has the potential to save lives by improving compliance and making treatment less daunting. 

Curexel is also exploring ways to make subcutaneous and intramuscular injections painless, broadening the scope of their technology to address a wide array of medical needs. With each innovation, Curexel moves closer to its goal: a world where no one must associate healing with pain. 

The Personal Story That Sparked a Revolution 

Curexel’s journey began with a deeply personal experience. In 2018, the founder’s father was diagnosed with cancer and had to undergo chemotherapy—a treatment that involves multiple painful needle pricks for IV cannulation. Witnessing his father’s pain and fear firsthand became the driving force behind the development of painless injection technology. 

At the time, the founder was pursuing a PhD at VTU and working as a research associate at IISc’s Electromechanics Lab. It was there that a chance collaboration with Dr. Kedar Badnikar, an expert in hollow microneedle technology, and Shreyas, a design specialist, set the stage for something extraordinary. Together, they founded Curexel in October 2023, combining innovative research with a deeply personal mission to make injections pain-free. 

From Dream to Recognition 

Since its inception, Curexel has garnered numerous accolades, signalling that its vision resonates with the wider world. From winning the Medical Healthcare Innovation Awards in 2024 to being finalist at the TiE Global India Summit, the company is already making its mark. Notable recognitions like the Sandeep Nailwal Startup Pitch Award at Global Bio India 2024 further validate Curexel’s potential to revolutionize healthcare. 

At NSRCEL, Curexel is part of the Healthcare Incubation Program, a CSR initiative by DailyRounds. Here, Curexel not only refined its technology but also accelerated its journey to market with all the interactions with investors, mentors, and industry experts the founders got access to as part of the program.  

A Global Vision for Painless Healing 

Curexel’s mission is simple yet profound: to make injections a painless part of healing. The team measures success not just in sales or profits but in tangible, life-changing metrics—like increased patient compliance, reduced fear of medical procedures, and improved healthcare outcomes. 

As Curexel moves forward, its vision is not just to transform individual lives but to redefine the global healthcare landscape. With innovations like the Painless injection technology platform and a strong pipeline of future products, the company is well on its way to making pain-free treatment a reality for billions worldwide.