Dental Biotech Firm Calcivis Secures £4.5M Equity Funding to Advance CALCIVIS Imaging System Toward FDA Approval and Commercial Launch

On September 5, 2019, VCBeat (WeChat ID: vcbeat) learned from foreign media reports that dental biotechnology company Calcivis had completed a £4.5 million equity financing round. The round was led by Archangels, with support from the Scottish Investment Bank.

Calcivis plans to use the funds from this financing round to support the Pre-Market Approval (PMA) of its CALCIVIS Imaging System by the U.S. FDA. If approved, Calcivis intends to launch its imaging system in 2020.

Calcivis is a biotechnology company focused on the dental sector, founded in 2012 and headquartered in Edinburgh, Scotland, UK. The company is dedicated to revolutionizing the treatment and management of dental caries or tooth decay.

The CALCIVIS Imaging System enables dentists to detect and visualize calcium ions released from saliva-induced demineralization during routine dental treatments. By providing visual evidence of early demineralization, the system allows dentists to differentiate between active and inactive lesions on tooth surfaces and to accurately and effectively monitor enamel condition over time.

Demineralization, also known as decalcification, refers to the loss of calcium and phosphate from the surface of tooth enamel, resulting in white or slightly yellow spots that compromise aesthetic appearance. Remineralization is the process by which calcium, phosphate, and other minerals in saliva are deposited onto the tooth surface. In healthy individuals, demineralization and remineralization maintain a dynamic equilibrium; however, severe demineralization requires specific restorative treatments.

Since its inception, Calcivis has raised over £14 million in equity and grants.

Dr. Sarah Hardy, Chief Investment Officer at Archangels, stated, “We invested in Calcivis because we believe the Calcivis Imaging System will achieve widespread adoption. Archangels looks forward to Calcivis successfully bringing its imaging system to market, which will represent a major breakthrough in the history of dentistry.”

Archangels, founded in 1992 and headquartered in Edinburgh, UK, is the world’s longest-running angel investment group. The firm focuses on investing in Scotland-based startups and early-stage companies across multiple sectors, including technology, life sciences, software development, biopharmaceuticals, and bionics. Comprising more than 60 investors, Archangels invests over £10 million annually in Scottish startups.

Scottish Investment Bank is the investment arm of Scottish Enterprise, Scotland’s primary economic development agency. Headquartered in Glasgow, UK, it focuses on investing in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The firm helps companies seeking investment identify appropriate financing sources and works closely with them to foster their sustained growth.

(Compiled by Tian Shuhang)