Calcivis, an Edinburgh-based dental technology startup, has secured £5 million in funding to support the expansion of its early detection system for tooth decay. The investment round was led by the Scottish National Investment Bank, which provided £4 million, along with an additional £1 million from IFS Maven Equity Finance managed by Maven Capital Partners.
The funding will allow Calcivis to bring its flagship product to the US market after premarket approval from the FDA. Founded in 2012 by CEO Adam Christie and CTO Bruce Vernon, the company’s imaging system uses a biologic diagnostic to enable preventative treatment before tooth decay becomes irreversible.
Calcivis plans to launch its product first in the US, followed by subsequent launches in the UK and other European markets. The importance of early diagnosis and treatment of tooth decay cannot be overstated, as it has significant implications for public health on a global scale. According to the World Health Organization, cavities affect over two billion people worldwide, highlighting the urgent need for innovative solutions like Calcivis’ technology.
Adam Christie emphasized this point during his keynote address at a recent dental conference in Edinburgh. “Early detection is key to preventing tooth decay and maintaining good oral health,” he said. “Our technology allows us to identify cavities in their earliest stages so that treatment can be administered before they become more advanced.”
Paul Callaghan, investment director at the Scottish National Investment Bank, praised Calcivis’ cutting-edge technology that enhances health and wellbeing. He expressed pride in supporting the company’s expansion into international markets and creating job opportunities in Scotland. “We see great potential for Calcivis’ technology to revolutionize preventive oral healthcare globally,” he said.