Fresh off a $17 million Series A round, Qnovia is looking to bring a smoking cessation medical device to market in 2025.
Health care executive Mario Danek founded the company in 2018. The goal is to develop and market RespiRx, a hand-held aerosol device that delivers nicotine quickly, helping people quit smoking.
In 2020, Brian Quigley, the former CEO of Altria Group’s smokeless division, joined the company as COO. He was named CEO in August, and Danek moved over to chief technology officer. Quigley worked in the tobacco industry for 16 years and is passionate about helping people quit smoking.
“I am a firm believer that we have to help smokers and help reduce the harm associated with cigarette use,” Quigley said. “And so, when I was the CEO of the smokeless business and also when I took over the vapor business, that was kind of my focus. It was something I was very passionate about it.”
One of Quigley’s first tasks was a rebrand. The company began as Respira Technologies…
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