PROVIGATE

About PROVIGATE

Based in Tokyo, Japan, Provigate, Inc. is a biotechnology company developing a non-invasive glucose monitoring system to assist in the prevention and management of diabetes. The company was co-founded in 2015 by Koshin Sekimizu, PhD, and Toshiya Sakata, PhD. Sekimizu serves as CEO and has a background in management consulting for healthcare, while Dr. Sakata is an Associate Professor at the University of Tokyo, bringing his expertise in semiconductor biosensor technology.

Provigate is focused on developing a method for monitoring weekly average blood glucose levels through a biomarker called glycated albumin (GA), which can be measured from saliva. This approach aims to overcome the challenges of traditional glucose monitoring, which often involve painful and expensive procedures. The company's technology is designed to be a completely non-invasive, mail-in testing service that allows users to send saliva samples for analysis. The service includes a companion smartphone application that provides users with their glucose data and personalized behavioral goals to empower lifestyle changes.

The company's business model is centered on commercializing its GA-based compact testing devices and expanding its pilot mail-in service, "glucoreview®". Provigate is targeting people with diabetes and pre-diabetes who currently have limited access to adequate home monitoring. The company has secured significant funding through multiple rounds, including a 2 billion JPY capital raise announced in October 2024, which consisted of a 1.2 billion JPY government grant and 830 million JPY in equity financing from investors like Sysmex, AIN Group, and Toyoda Gosei. This funding is intended to accelerate clinical research and the commercialization of its devices. Provigate is also conducting studies to prepare for market entry into the United States, including developing a strategy for insurance coverage.