South Carolina Research Authority Invests $250,000 in PulManage, a Columbia Life Science Company
In an effort to boost innovation in life sciences, the South Carolina Research Authority (SCRA)’s investment affiliate, SC Launch Inc., has recently invested $250,000 in PulManage, a Columbia-based company that specializes in testing and remote monitoring for patients battling lung diseases.
Investment History
PulManage gained membership to SCRA in 2019 and has successfully navigated through the SC Launch Program, according to an SCRA release. The company bagged two Project Development Fund Grants valued at $25,000 each, a $50,000 Acceleration Grant, and, significantly, a $50,000 COVID-19 Response Grant. With this most recent SC Launch Inc. investment, PulManage has now become an SC Launch Inc. portfolio company.
Improved Patient Care
The primary mission of PulManage is to enhance the care and management of chronic lung diseases like COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease), cystic fibrosis, and asthma. Facilitating this mission is their innovative platform that connects patients with their healthcare providers remotely. This platform’s interface is made up of patient-facing mobile apps and an online dashboard that provides real-time feedback to clinicians and researchers.
SC Launch Inc. Executive Director Matt Bell reiterated that SC Launch Inc. is dedicated to supporting innovative companies who make positive change in healthcare. “Not only does the app monitor and record lung function, it’s also improving testing and preventing confusion and misdiagnosis,” said Bell. “This means better care and getting care sooner for patients with lung conditions.”
Partnership with SCRA and SC Launch Inc.
Recognizing the critical support from SCRA, Amanda Clark, CEO and founder of PulManage, emphasized its significant role in the company’s development. “From the beginning, SCRA’s SC Launch Program team has believed in our mission and supported our growth,” Clark said. “We would not be where we are today without their support, positioning us to revolutionize how we care for chronic lung disease. We value our long-standing partnership with SCRA and SC Launch Inc.”
Invitations and Future Plans
PulManage reports having received an exclusive invitation from Amazon Web Services Life Sciences to showcase their product as part of the healthcare solutions at their Annual Summit with national and international stakeholders in digital health, AI, and drug discovery sectors. They also plan to attend the International BIO convention as part of the South Carolina delegation in San Diego to meet with potential partners and share more about their platform.
Reflecting on the significant investment, SCRA President and CEO Bob Quinn affirmed their pride in PulManage’s growth and its promising future to help an even larger number of patients. “We work every day to move innovation forward, and when the innovation is life-sustaining and lifesaving, we are more honored to support our state’s innovators,” Quinn said.
