Positrigo raises CHF 5.5 million to proceed with commercialization

28.10.2022 16:54, Morgane Ghilardi

The Zurich-based MedTech startup is developing nuclear medical imaging devices to advance functional imaging. Existing and new investors have contributed to Positrigo’s series B financing round, which will allow the company to finalize market approvals of its first product in Europe and the US and bring with commercialization. Positrigo participated in Venture Kick in 2018, as well as Venture Leaders Life Sciences, China, and Deeptech. It was also voted one of the TOP 100 Swiss Startups of 2022.

Positrigo is a medical device company founded in 2018. The startup is a spin-off of ETH Zurich, pioneering nuclear medical imaging technologies. It has developed the NeuroLF system, an ultra-compact and dedicated brain positron emission tomography (PET) system. Positron emission tomography is a functional imaging technique that uses positron-emitting radiopharmaceuticals to visualize and quantify various biochemical processes and is the diagnostic gold standard for evaluating the load of brain amyloid, neurofibrillary tau tangles, and glucose hypometabolism—all relevant factors in detecting and diagnosing Alzheimer's and dementia. The imaging technique is also applicable in neuro-oncology and the treatment of epilepsy, and movement disorders, among other things.

Currently available PET scanners are large and expensive, which limits the broader diffusion of PET technology. Positrigo’s NeuroLF system aims to overcome these barriers as the device is much smaller and less costly than full-body scanners.

After closing its series B round, Positrigo is now set to bring the NeuroLF system to market. While simultaneously applying for market approvals in Europe and the US, the company will also set up the required structure and resources to facilitate the commercialization of its first product.

Fairway Asset Management led Positrigo’s series B financing round, supported by existing investors including 4FO Venture Partners, the EIC Fund, Zürcher Kantonalbank, and ETH Foundation. The raised amount brings Positrigo's total funding raised to date to over CHF 13 million of dilutive and non-dilutive funding.

The startup participated in the Venture Kick program in 2018, winning CHF 130,000. It was also selected to participate in three Venture Leaders programs—Life Sciences in 2019, China in 2020, and Deeptech in 2021—which promotes startups' access to experts and investors while increasing their visibility on the global stage. Positrigo was also designated one of 2022's TOP 100 Swiss Startups by investors and experts.