The history of Hogne

Learn the history of Hogne, a pioneering force in the field of medical solutions, driven by a vision to revolutionize the treatment of nosebleeds. Leveraging the combined expertise of two dynamic couples with backgrounds in medicine and finance, this company exemplifies innovation and collaboration.

HOGNE AB, founded in the summer of 2020, emerged from the vision of Susanne and Peter Åhnblad – a specialized nurse and medical ENT doctor, respectively – who have been successfully operating an Ear-, Nose- & Throat (ENT) Clinic in Nacka, Stockholm, Sweden since 2010. With a combined experience of over 50 years in the medical and inventing field, they identified a global market gap for a user-friendly nose blood stopper.

Having previously pioneered a groundbreaking nasal rinser that achieved commercial success in Swedish pharmacies and international markets such as the USA, Korea, and Japan, the couple sold their company along with the rights to the nasal rinser to a prominent US corporation in late 2017. This marked a pivotal moment as they shifted their focus towards developing a nose plug that could efficiently stop nosebleeds without blocking nasal breathing.

Nosebleeds, apart from being bothersome and staining clothes, present unique challenges. Few individuals are aware of the most effective and fastest ways to control blood flow. Identifying the exact source of bleeding is often challenging, and common practices such as stuffing toilet paper or cotton into the nose can trigger further bleeding when removed. Furthermore, there persists a misconception that medical professionals possess a range of methods to cure nosebleeds.

In 2019, after extensive prototype development and testing, HOGNE AB was established. Åsa and Tommy Rönngren joined forces with Susanne and Peter Åhnblad, transferring all assets and rights of the NosePlug® to HOGNE. This strategic move was aimed at creating a specialized company entirely committed to this innovative project. With Åsa and Tommy Rönngren bringing deep expertise in the investment management industry, banking, and finance, HOGNE had created a team with expertise in medicine, medical devices, company management, and finance. Notably, both couples had already collaborated successfully in other medical device company since 2010, ensuring a seamless and efficient partnership.

The birth of HOGNE represents a culmination of experience, professionalism, and unwavering dedication to improving the lives of individuals suffering from nosebleeds and other ENT conditions.

Timeline

2018

Initial idea

The idea is born for an effective nasal plug that stops nosebleeds without blocking nasal breathing
2019

Partnering with SwedSafe

Hogne enters into a collaboration with manufacturing partner SwedSafe
2019

Prototyping & testing

The first prototypes of the NosePlug® is produced and tested
Mar 2019

Trademark registered

NäsPlug® is registered as a trademark.
Dec 2019

EU Design protection

Hogne's products are registered as protected Industrial Design in the EU
Jul 2020

Hogne AB is founded

Hogne AB is registered as a limited company
Sep 2020

Consumer survey

Observational survey is conducted to assess the performance of the NosePlug® for common epistaxis
Sep 2020

CE marked

The NosePlug® is approved in theEU and classified as Class 1 Medical Device
Mar 2021

Swedish patent approved

Hogne is granted a Swedish patent with 11 important claims
May 2021

US Design protection

Hogne's products are registered as protected Industrial Design in the US
April 2023

Partnering with Apotek 1

Hogne enters into a collaboration with Apotek 1, Norway's leading chain of pharmacies
Sep 2023

NosePlug® launched in Norway

Apotek 1 starts selling the NosePlug® in 460 pharmacies across Norway

History of the company name

The company names of TOVNER and HOGNE refers to the two cats of the Goddess Freja in ancient Viking stories. The big cats pulled her carriage and were always ready to help, just as the companies TOVNER and HOGNE are for the people in need.

Goddess Freja with the cats Hogne and Tovner