PNOĒ 2.0 Brings Self-Administered Metabolic Testing Home

PNOĒ, a Malden, Massachusetts-based company with operations in Athens, Greece, is preparing to launch the PNOĒ 2.0 on October 1. The new device allows users to administer a metabolic breath test themselves, whereas the current PNOĒ device requires a trained operator.

The self-administered test involves wearing a mask and breathing for eight minutes. Metabolic testing analyzes gases in a person's breath to gauge how the body produces energy. The method has been used for more than a century, but traditionally required bulky, expensive equipment found mainly in sports labs and hospitals.

PNOĒ says its test captures 23 biomarkers, including VO₂ max, resting metabolic rate, and metabolic flexibility. The PNOĒ 2.0 is smaller and more compact than its predecessor and has fewer parts. It was designed with Milan-based Design Group Italia.

The electronics detach from the silicone mask and straps, so multiple people can share the hardware while each user keeps their own mask. The device is not cleared by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. PNOĒ describes itself as a wellness device and does not provide medical recommendations.

Apostolos Atsalakis co-founded PNOĒ with Panos Papadiamantis, who is the chief product officer. Atsalakis's interest in breath sensing began during his PhD work at the University of Cambridge. The startup went through Y Combinator's Winte.