Novai is a biotechnology startup originating from University College London that is commercialising DARC, an exploratory retinal biomarker for use in age-related macular degeneration and glaucoma clinical studies. DARC combines a patented biologic with an AI algorithm and uses standard medical imaging equipment to identify cellular-level disease activity up to 18 months earlier than current gold-standard processes. DARC was developed by Professor Francesca Cordeiro at UCL with Wellcome Trust funding and is approved as an exploratory biomarker by the FDA and MHRA. The company says further analysis of Phase II data could support additional indications including multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease. Novai intends to use the £500k seed funding to further develop its AI-powered technology. Following the funding close the company appointed Gordon Bethwaite as Acting CEO and added three senior board members, including Dr. Berwyn Clarke as Chairman.

Total raised

$1M

Funding rounds

1

Latest round

Seed

Latest activity

Jul 2020