A SCOTTISH health tech firm has reached 100,000 completed treatments in the UK and Ireland, utilising its signature microwave device in the treatment of skin conditions.

Emblation was founded by Gary Beale and Eamon McErlean – who met during post-graduate studies at Edinburgh University – and the pair developed their “Swift” device as a radical new treatment in the podiatry sector.

The device is already being operated in more than 400 clinics across Britain and Northern Ireland, with 1000 practitioners now trained in its use.

Backed up by an eight-figure investment from London-based healthcare investors Apposite Capital, the firm has ambitions to build on its successes and continue to spread and grow across Europe.

The firm has plans to soon move into a purpose-built HQ in Stirling, as a result of its expansion.

Emblation will also use some of the finances to fund research for further clinical treatments, including growing its research and development capability to treat other skin conditions – such as pre-cancerous skin lesions.

Gary Beale, chief executive of Emblation, said: “When we launched our Swift device into UK clinics from September 2016, we promised to bring benefits to the entire podiatry community where there had been little investment or innovation. We believe we have delivered on that promise.

“The UK has been the pioneer for this treatment, with clinicians grabbing the chance to be the first in the world to use the Swift device. We want to thank each and every clinician who has invested in Swift and helped us reach this amazing landmark."

Beale explained that success is largely down to the popularity of the device among clinicians – who had often previously found themselves unable to offer effective treatments to patients whose lives were blighted by persistent verrucae, common warts on the feet.

He said: “We know that once podiatrists, dermatologists, and other clinicians start using Swift, it will rapidly become an invaluable and profitable part of their business.

“Many clinics which have installed a Swift device had never treated verrucae previously as they felt there were no suitable methods.”

Matthew Butters, of Colne Valley Podiatry in Yorkshire, purchased a Swift system in April 2019 and his clinic has now conducted 1400 treatments.

He said: “When I first came across Swift, I didn’t think anyone would want to pay the amount that I would have to charge to get my money back.

“Looking back, I wish I had purchased the device when I was first told about it.

“I was getting to the point where I was dreading getting calls from patients with verrucae because there wasn’t much I could do and any treatment I could offer would achieve very limited success.

“I decided to take the plunge and ordered a Swift. Business-wise, it is the best decision I have made.”

Such conditions effect millions of people, but are often difficult or impossible to treat successfully.

Within a month of launching, the Swift device had been rolled out to 60 podiatry clinics across the UK.

11 of those have completed more than 1000 treatments, while six have invested in further Swift machines.

The device has since been successfully launched in locations across the globe, including the US, Canada and Australia, and Emblation is currently focusing on launching into Europe.