Milan medtech startup Tensive secures €20 million EIB loan to advance breast reconstruction implant
The European Investment Bank has granted Milan-based biomaterials company Tensive a €20 million convertible loan to fund clinical research and commercial readiness for its bioresorbable REGENERA implant. The financing covers half of the company's €40 million plan and is backed by the EU's InvestEU programme.
Milan-based medical technology company Tensive has received a €20 million convertible loan from the European Investment Bank (EIB) to advance its bioresorbable REGENERA implant. The funds are earmarked for research and development, clinical studies, CE marking, manufacturing scale-up and commercial readiness.
The agreement covers half of Tensive's total €40 million financing plan and is supported under the European Commission's InvestEU programme. Tensive CEO Sanjay Kakkar said the funding would help move REGENERA from its recently reported positive pivotal clinical results toward a product available to European surgeons.
What REGENERA does
Founded in 2012, Tensive develops bioresorbable polymeric scaffolds for breast reconstruction and tissue marking in patients recovering from lumpectomy or undergoing cosmetic procedures. REGENERA is a sponge-like bioresorbable material placed during surgery that is gradually replaced by the patient's own tissue, preserving the breast's original shape and feel. Because its consistency resembles adipose tissue, it adapts to the surgical cavity without manual sizing, reducing the need for further surgery. The implant remains clearly distinguishable on diagnostic imaging, which helps with radiotherapy planning.
The loan will be disbursed in two tranches — €8 million and €12 million — each with a 20-year maturity. Tensive says it is in active discussions with institutional investors to secure the remaining portion of its financing plan.
Clinical results
On 28 July, Tensive reported 12-month follow-up data from its pivotal trial involving 94 patients, of whom 87 had passed the one-year mark and 30 had reached two years. Good-to-excellent cosmetic outcomes were recorded in 94.2% of cases, alongside significant improvements in patient-reported satisfaction. The company expects EU regulatory approval as early as 2027.
EIB Vice President Gelsomina Vigliotti said the financing strengthens Europe's capacity to develop high-value medical technologies and create skilled jobs in women's health.
