Current sedation practice in ICU is harming patients and increases their risk of death. It wastes expensive hospital resources. In procedural sedation, discharge following sedation is undertaken without knowing whether the blood concentration of propofol has fallen to safe levels. In anaesthesia, gases continue to be used extensively despite the profound environmental damage that ensues. Propofol is the alternative but not used to the extent that it could be whilst real-time measurement is not possible.
Somnus was established by end-users with a deep understanding of the unmet need. The founders are all experienced MedTech entrepreneurs with a track record of successful commercialisation of previous inventions.
The company has created, and patent protected, novel sensors for propofol in part through partnership with the HealthTech hub at the University of the West of England.
Somnus has secured funding through equity investors and successful grant applications including from WECA, Innovate (UK), the Royal Society of Chemistry, and the Association of Anaesthetists.
Clinical testing and lab-based validation of our inventions has commenced and market entry expected in 2026/7. Academic health partners in the UK, USA, and Brazil are working with Somnus to complete clinical studies prior to regulatory approval.
