Cleveland-based medical device manufacturer NelDerm has announced the completion of a funding round to commercialize its technology for treating lower extremity compression injuries, according to a news release.
The company has received $750,000 from domestic and local investors to help expand its sales team and further validate its commercialization strategy, as well as Project Medtech, Akron’s Bounce Innovation Hub, Manufacturing Growth and Advocacy Network (MAGNET), according to the release. in Cleveland.
NelDerm President and Founder Kevin Nelson said in a statement provided: “Being mission-oriented benefits our investors, partners, customers, the NelDerm team, the clinicians who use our devices, and most importantly, the patients they care for.”
Launched in 2014, NelDerm is focused on creating unique medical devices to prevent and treat wounds, and the company is now commercializing its Heel POD (Pressure Offloading Device) technology. According to the release, the patent-pending product is a memory foam appliance designed to reduce foot-related compression injuries common in medical settings. The Heel POD provides long-term patient wear and caregiver clinical assessment, securing to the patient’s leg near the calf to lift the appendage. Benefits for clinicians include improved patient assessment and visual assurance of weight removal from the affected limb, according to the release.
The device, which won the 2021 MSPIRE pitch competition hosted by MAGNET, has been receiving accolades from the wound care community since its launch in August 2021. According to the release, a May 2022 survey of about 60 registered nurses found the Heel POD to be an alternative boot-style device.
“We have a simple product, so it’s important to brand that process and help decision makers make that choice.
During the pandemic, the company pivoted to producing face shields, selling 2 million shields and donating another 200,000. This has allowed the team to “stable financially, hire key people, expand distributor relationships, and develop and release Heel POD products,” according to the release.
“Our goal is to reduce the financial burden of pressure ulcers while providing a simple yet effective solution that all stakeholders will appreciate,” he said.
