#USA #San Diego #BURL Concepts #SONAS #PFO Detection

BURL Concepts Closes $4.5 Million Investment

BURL Concepts, a pioneering force in medical technology, has announced the successful closing of a $4.5 million funding round, contributing to a comprehensive investment total of $28 million. This recent influx of capital comes from a diverse pool of U.S. and international investors in the tech and MedTech sectors, and the round is led by James Brailean, a seasoned entrepreneur and managing partner at Karmel Capital, with supportive participation from Acquipharma, Ltd. and KK Vision GmbH.

The new funds will be primarily allocated toward launching BURL's CE-marked SONAS® ultrasound system, which aims to transform the diagnosis of Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO) — a condition characterized by a hole in the heart that may lead to cryptogenic strokes. The SONAS system represents a significant innovation in emboli detection, providing swift and automated evaluations of cerebral blood flow.

CEO Peter van der Sluis emphasized the importance of this funding, stating, “The enthusiastic response to our current funding reflects the market's recognition that a new way to assist physicians in PFO diagnosis in cryptogenic stroke patients is ripe for innovation.” He likened the SONAS system's functionality to that of ECG testing, suggesting that PFO testing should be performed directly in cardiologists’ offices rather than in traditional lab settings. This recent investment will expedite the clinical and commercial rollout of the SONAS system across Europe, South Africa, and the United States.

The advantages of the SONAS ultrasound system include:

• - Patient Convenience: The non-invasive nature of the test means it can be conducted in standard doctor’s offices or at the bedside, eliminating the need for extensive lab procedures.
• - Quick Results: The system dramatically speeds up emboli detection as part of the PFO test, requiring only a few minutes of testing time.
• - Cost-Effective: Compared to traditional methods like transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) or transcranial Doppler (TCD) testing, the SONAS system is notably more affordable, relieving the financial burden on both patients and healthcare systems.
• - Automated Process: The intuitive design allows healthcare professionals to administer the test without requiring specialized training, making it widely accessible in various clinical settings.

Dr. Thilo Hoelscher, Co-Founder and Chief Medical Officer, remarked, “We built this company around a simple idea to give physicians and patients peace of mind through instant, actionable insights about cerebral blood flow.” The innovative SONAS technology leverages next-generation ultrasound and proprietary algorithms to enhance the accuracy and speed of PFO diagnosis, positioning it as a formidable alternative to current imaging techniques.

According to estimates, approximately 40 to 50 percent of patients experiencing cryptogenic strokes have PFOs, underscoring the urgent need for improved diagnostic solutions. With the SONAS system, BURL Concepts aims to fill this gap and empower healthcare professionals with the tools necessary for timely and effective patient intervention.

About BURL Concepts

BURL Concepts, Inc.™ is dedicated to developing and commercializing rapid and cost-effective brain perfusion assessment solutions, specifically for diagnosing Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO). The SONAS® system allows clinicians in a variety of settings to non-invasively evaluate cerebral blood flow and accurately determine the best treatment plans for their patients. For further details, visit www.burlconcepts.com.