The following press release has been reproduced from here.
Respiro Diagnostics, a UK-based startup developing breath-based diagnostics for lung diseases, has raised £1 million in a pre-seed funding round led by Zinc Venture Capital and SFC Capital. The round also included participation from Amadeus Capital Partners, the Conception X Angel Syndicate, KQ Labs through the Francis Crick Institute, strategic angel investors and Innovate UK.
Founded by Alison Quinn and Dr Theo Issitt, Respiro is developing a non-invasive liquid biopsy platform that uses exhaled breath to detect lung cancer and other respiratory diseases. The company's technology combines a proprietary breath collection device with laboratory methods that analyse DNA, RNA and proteins captured from breath samples, providing an alternative to invasive tissue biopsies and blood-based liquid biopsies.
Respiro's platform is being developed as a non-invasive alternative to existing diagnostic methods for lung diseases. Unlike tissue biopsies, which require invasive procedures, the technology analyses biological material collected directly from exhaled breath, including DNA, RNA and proteins. According to the company, this approach could support earlier diagnosis and provide additional information to guide treatment decisions.
"Our vision is simple: that one day, a breath sample is all it takes to know what's happening in your lungs — early, while there's still time to act," said Alison Quinn, CEO and co-founder of Respiro Diagnostics.
Respiro has completed initial proof-of-concept testing in mesothelioma patients and plans to begin its first clinical study in lung cancer patients at Aalborg University Hospital in Denmark in September 2026. The company is also evaluating potential applications of its platform in other respiratory conditions, including pulmonary hypertension and asthma.
The funding will support Respiro's clinical research and the continued development of its breath collection device and laboratory platform as the company advances towards clinical validation.
ENDS
Additional quotes and information
Natalie Pankova, Venture Partner at Zinc, said: “Respiro Diagnostics is exactly the type of businesses we back and help build in our Science-for-Impact portfolio. High calibre Founders with a commercial and scientific complementarity, and a platform that extends across respiratory disease for a multi-billion-dollar diagnostics opportunity. There is potential here to change how lung cancer is detected, before patients are diagnosed too late to be treated.”
Dr Weronika Szejniuk, Medical and Radiation Oncologist and Associate Professor of Clinical Oncology at Aalborg University Hospital, said: “We’re launching a pilot study to test whether lung cancer can be detected from exhaled breath. This non-invasive approach is designed to complement current diagnostics, making detection easier and more accessible. Our sincere thanks go to the patients taking part.”
Adam Beveridge, Fund Principal at SFC Capital, said: “We’re glad to back Theo and Alison. Theo built the product out of his own research, and Alison knows how to take health products from the lab into hospitals. Between them they combine the science and route to market, and we’re looking forward to what comes next.”
Cancer Research Horizons: Respiro’s place on the KQ Labs programme was sponsored by Cancer Research Horizons, the innovation arm of Cancer Research UK. Dr Alessia Errico, Associate Director of Search & Evaluation at Cancer Research Horizons, said: “Cancer Research Horizons sponsored Respiro’s participation in KQ Labs because we saw a strong team with clear entrepreneurial drive and a compelling opportunity to address an important unmet need in lung cancer diagnostics.”