Calcivis, the Edinburgh-based biotechnology firm, has secured £5 million in new funding to roll out its early tooth decay detection tech.

The latest investment round was led by £4m of funding from the Scottish National Investment Bank (SNIB), along with £1m from IFS Maven Equity Finance, which is managed by Maven Capital Partners and is part of the Investment Fund for Scotland (IFS), delivered by the British Business Bank.

The Scots firm’s patented system uses a biological diagnostic agent in combination with an imaging device to enable the early detection of tooth decay, which can then lead to earlier preventative treatment for dentistry patients.

Calcivis is set to use the funds to bring its flagship product to market in the US after the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted premarket approval, which is the most stringent regulatory review of the safety and effectiveness of medical devices.

The US market is the largest for medical technology, and the Scots company anticipates a subsequent launch in the UK and other European markets. According to data from Statista, the projected revenue of the medical technology market in the US for 2024 is $215 billion, while in the UK it’s $20 billion (£16bn~).

Founded in 2012, Calcivis has now raised over £18m in funding. Investors include Scottish Enterprise and Archangels, which is the world’s longest-running business angel investment syndicate and has been involved with the company from the beginning.

Speaking on both the company’s technology and its new funding, Adam Christie, the CEO of Calcivis, said: “Early diagnosis and treatment of tooth decay is essential, allowing patients to reverse the damage to their teeth before it is too late.

“This investment will enable us to launch our innovative product to global markets – first in the US and eventually in the UK – leading to faster diagnoses and early intervention treatments.

“This technology has the potential to revolutionise prevention in oral health care, with cavities impacting more than 2 billion people globally, according to the World Health Organisation.

“We look forward to seeing where this product can go with the support of both the Scottish National Investment Bank, and the Investment Fund for Scotland – through Maven.”

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Paul Callaghan, investment director at the SNIB, also commented: “Calcivis is a shining example of how Scotland is leading the way in developing cutting-edge technology that improves our health and wellbeing.

“We are proud to back the company’s pioneering work in dentistry and help its flagship product reach international markets, creating jobs in Scotland.

“As a development investment bank, we see Calcivis’ technology as fully aligned with our Innovation mission, and the product’s launch in the UK has the potential to deliver substantial health benefits to people in Scotland.”