The company PNOĒ is releasing a new version of its metabolic testing mask that allows users to conduct lab-grade breath analysis without a trained operator.
Key facts
- •The PNOĒ 2.0 is scheduled for release on October 1.
- •The device captures 23 biomarkers, including VO₂ max and metabolic flexibility.
- •PNOĒ has raised approximately $22 million in total funding to date.
- •The company reports annual growth of more than 100% and has reached profitability.
- •The startup was part of Y Combinator’s Winter 2019 batch.
PNOĒ, a Massachusetts-based health technology company, is set to launch its PNOĒ 2.0 device on October 1. The new mask allows users to self-administer metabolic tests in settings like gyms or pharmacies by breathing into the device for eight minutes. This update removes the requirement for a trained operator, which was necessary for the company's previous hardware.
By the numbers
Technology and Capabilities
The PNOĒ 2.0 measures oxygen consumption and carbon dioxide exhalation to provide data on 23 biomarkers, including VO₂ max, resting metabolic rate, and metabolic flexibility. The device is designed to be more compact and reliable than its predecessor, featuring detachable electronics that allow multiple users to share the hardware while using individual silicone masks.
Business Model and Market Reach
PNOĒ operates on a business-to-business model, selling subscriptions ranging from $400 to over $1,000 per month to fitness centers, hotels, and health systems. Current clients include Equinox, the NBA, and Mount Sinai Health System. The company, which employs 110 people and has recently turned profitable, reports that 85% of its business is in the U.S. market.
Regulatory Status
The device is not cleared by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and is marketed as a wellness tool rather than a medical diagnostic device. CEO Apostolos Atsalakis stated that the company does not provide medical recommendations and that using the data for full health diagnoses is likely years away due to regulatory requirements.
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This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by TechCrunch.
