PulmoBioMed, a spin-out from Northumbria University, has achieved a significant milestone in the quest for improved lung disease diagnosis. The company has successfully raised £1.4m in a bid to commercialize its ground-breaking lung test technology, PBM-Hale™. This successful funding round was made possible with the support from the North East Venture Fund, the European Regional Development Fund, Mercia Ventures, Northumbria University, SFC Capital, and private investors from the USA, EU, and UK. This innovative technology aims to offer a swift, non-invasive method for obtaining fluid samples from the deep lung, uninhibited by contamination from oral fluids.
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Advancing Lung Disease Diagnosis
The PBM-Hale™ technology has recorded remarkable success in clinical studies. It was revealed that the technology was capable of offering uncontaminated deep lung samples in just two minutes. As a result, this technology could detect and quantify lung infections and inflammation in 100% of symptomatic cases. This development is a significant advancement in the medical field, as it offers a more efficient diagnosis process for asthma and other lung conditions.
Targeting The US Market
With the successful funding round, PulmoBioMed plans to scale up production and register the product in the US market. The primary focus will be on asthma diagnosis, though the technology has potential for diagnosing other conditions and improving outcomes for lung cancer patients. The move to the US market will also stimulate job creation, with the company aiming to create seven new jobs in the next year.
Support and Collaboration
PulmoBioMed’s journey has been significantly bolstered by the support from various entities. Northumbria University’s commercialization activities and Northern Accelerator have played central roles in the company’s progress. Other noteworthy contributions include grants from Innovate UK and support from North by Northwest Partner’s ICURe program. This investment success is a testament to the quality of the University’s growing pipeline of IP arising from its research and highly entrepreneurial teams.
Looking Ahead
The company’s journey doesn’t stop here. PulmoBioMed also plans to develop a cost-effective manufacturing process. They are also on the verge of relocating to new premises in Newcastle city centre. Furthermore, the team is currently in discussions with potential customers in the US, EU, and Asia. The company’s technology has the potential to deliver enormous impact in healthcare on a global scale, revolutionizing the diagnosis and monitoring of lung diseases.
The rise of PulmoBioMed and the successful commercialization of its breath sampling technology is a perfect example of how innovation, driven by research and entrepreneurship, can transform healthcare globally. As the company continues to grow and develop, the world will be watching with anticipation for the next strides they make in lung health diagnosis and care.
