Health tech startup raises $18M to expand AI-based imaging, launch COVID-19 scanning program
Healthcare technology startup Ezra has secured $18 million in new funding from multiple organizations and individuals to expand its artificial intelligence-based cancer screening exams.
The New York-based imaging company will use the new capital to make its MRI screening program more widely accessible to patients, according to a Monday announcement. Ezra says its full-body MRI takes under an hour to complete and screens for cancer in 12 organs. It’s AI model for prostate cancer is currently under FDA review.
In the June 1 statement, the startup also noted it’s rolling out “Ezra COVID 360,” a low-dose CT lung scan to identify damage caused by the virus that’s meant to be used alongside antibody blood tests. That scan will cost $390 and is currently available in New York City.
“More than 1.5 million people in the US have been infected with the coronavirus, and many of them may have long-lasting lung damage caused by the virus,” said Emi Gal, CEO and co-founder of Ezra. “The Ezra COVID 360 enables individuals to get a look inside their lungs, empowering them with the data necessary to make better decisions about their health.”
Ezra is already partnering with outpatient imaging locations in New York City, San Francisco and Los Angeles on its full-body MRI scan and prostate cancer screening program. And last year, the company says it helped detect asymptomatic cancer cases in 4% of RadNet’s members.
FirstMark Capital provided a large portion of Ezra’s new funding. Co-founders of Harry’s and Warby Parker, Jeff Raider and Dave Gilboa, co-founder of investing-app Robinhood, and a number of other individual investors also participated.
Matt joined Chicago’s TriMed team in 2018 covering all areas of health imaging after two years reporting on the hospital field. He holds a bachelor’s in English from UIC, and enjoys a good cup of coffee and an interesting documentary.