NPL Spin-Out Thermology Health Secures Funding for AI-Powered Diabetic Foot Ulcer Detection
National Physical Laboratory (NPL) has announced that Thermology Health, its medical technology spin-out, has secured funding from private investors to transition into an independent company focused on preventing diabetic foot ulcer complications through innovative thermal imaging technology. The funding will accelerate the development and deployment of a system that could transform care for millions of diabetes patients worldwide.
The company's breakthrough technology addresses a critical healthcare challenge that affects approximately 25% of people with diabetes who develop foot ulcers during their lifetime. In the UK alone, complications from diabetic foot ulcers result in approximately 175 amputations each week, with 30% of amputation patients dying within five years. The economic burden is equally significant, costing the UK healthcare system over £1.5 billion annually, a figure expected to rise as the global diabetes population is projected to exceed 640 million by 2030.
Thermology Health's thermal imaging system represents a significant advancement in early detection capabilities. By combining artificial intelligence analytics with ultra-accurate temperature readings, the technology can identify early signs of ulceration before they become severe. Through collaboration with NPL, the company has achieved a remarkable improvement in measurement precision, reducing uncertainty from 2 degrees Celsius to just 0.2 degrees Celsius. This level of accuracy establishes a new benchmark in medical thermal imaging, as no medical imaging device currently in clinical use matches this precision.
"We're delighted to have reached this exciting milestone of spinning out from NPL. NPL has developed this unique, potentially life-saving technology over many years. The time has now come to fully commercialise the technology and to deploy it in the market, which is why Thermology Health has spun out and is now an independent, private company. We're addressing a very major complication of diabetes and are aiming to have a meaningful positive impact on patients and on the heavy healthcare costs associated with this condition," said Yuval Yashiv, CEO of Thermology Health.
The company plans to initiate usability trials within the coming months in both the United Kingdom and the United States, partnering with the NHS and private practices. The long-term vision extends beyond clinical settings to develop an at-home monitoring solution accessible to millions of diabetes patients globally.
"At NPL we are dedicated to advancing healthcare through innovation and Thermology Health's technology is a perfect example of this commitment. Supporting the development of techniques and technologies that aim to offer a solution to a healthcare challenge forms part of our commitment to use our science to positively impact people's lives. I'm delighted that Thermology Health has grown to the point of transitioning to a standalone company, and I look forward to continuing to work with the team to enable and accelerate this live-changing technology," said Dr Peter Thompson, CEO of NPL.
The Government Office for Tech Transfer (GOTT) has also played a crucial role in the company's development. "We are proud that we've been able to help accelerate the development of this innovative thermal imaging system through grant funding and commercialisation advice. By supporting spinouts like Thermology Health, GOTT aims to transform public sector Knowledge Assets into tangible solutions that benefit the citizen and economy. This funding news is a strong signal from the market that they see the public sector as a place to invest," said Dr Alison Campbell, CEO of GOTT.
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