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For people, place, prosperity and planet, we deliver impact with measurement science

Ultrasound

sona

Sona from the world-leading National Physical Laboratory (NPL), aims to revolutionise breast cancer screening with the world’s first ultrasound-based breast density assessment and monitoring technology, that does not require imaging or trained radiologists.


Patented, novel ultrasound sensor-platform technology

Sona's ground-breaking technology enables healthcare systems to provide timely and personalised screening through simple, safe and low-cost access to breast density information, which is currently limited by age and use of traditional mammograms.

Unlike traditional methods that rely on X-rays, which pose risks due to radiation exposure, sona's patented solution leverages novel ultrasound sensor-platform technology to provide safer, more sensitive breast density assessments without the need for imaging or trained radiologists.

Early cancer detection is key to saving lives, and sona's unique innovation will ensure women are offered the right forms of screening at the right time.


Why breast density matters

Approximately 70% of breast cancers are detected in women with dense breasts, however, most women do not know their breast density.

Nearly half of women have high breast density and it changes over time. High breast density both increases breast cancer risk (by up to a factor of 6) and causes cancers to be missed on screening mammograms.

sona's simple, low-cost desktop device, easily deployed in local GP clinics and primary care sites, delivers quick, reliable breast density readings.
 

Sona's mission

Our mission at sona is to provide all women with a safer, earlier and more accessible way to monitor their breast health. We are taking a significant step towards bringing our simple, low-cost desktop device to clinics and communities, ensuring that breast density detection is no longer limited by age or access to traditional mammograms.

We believe this lifesaving innovation will create a new standard and empower women of all ages and backgrounds to take control of their breast health in a way that’s never been possible before.

Market indicators

National healthcare systems worldwide are increasingly using breast density information to provide better screening services.

In September 2024, the US FDA became the first global regulator to mandate breast density reporting for screening, and groups like the European Society of Breast Imaging now recommend that women should be informed of their breast density and personalised screening should be provided for women with high breast density.


Next steps

The UK Government Office for Technology Transfer and UK Innovation & Science Seed Fund, managed by Future Planet Capital, are currently supporting sona's technical and commercial development, ahead of a seed funding round in early 2025.

Sona plans to go to market with our first product – an accessible breast density assessment device via family doctor’s practices, retail health clinics and pharmacies – pending in-person testing and regulatory approval, with the US and UK as priority markets.

We continue to build our international team and are seeking to add to our leadership and advisory board of world-leading experts in the fields of science, healthcare and business.

 

sona logo - breast risk assessment

Meet the team

Dan Sarno

Dan Sarno

sona Founder & CTO

Read more
Malcolm Fogarty

Malcolm Fogarty

sona Founder & CEO

Read more

Contact us for more information

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