BioEnterprise Initiative Companies

AxioMed Spine Corporation is developing breakthrough products for orthopedic and neurosurgical applications.  The company's focus is the development of technologies to restore mobility and quality of human life.  Its initial product, the Freedom™ Lumbar Disc is a new surgical alternative to fusion for degenerative disc disease, advancing the standard of care beyond fusion and first generation artificial discs. Visit the Axiomed website here.

Merlot was founded in 2004 based on a novel bone screw developed by Izador Lieberman, M.D., of The Cleveland Clinic.

OrthoHelix Surgical Designs is a medical device company developing a comprehensive set of instruments and implants for use in foot, ankle and hand reconstruction surgery.  The FDA-approved OrthoHelix product line is designed specifically for orthopedic surgeons and podiatrists who surgically repair small bones. Visit OrthoHelix on the web here.

Proxy Biomedical, headquarted in Ireland, is developing proprietary implantable meshes and engineered biomaterials for surgical applications, tissue regeneration and tissue repair. Proxy also offers a disposable, easy to use suture grasper needle for laparoscopic surgery. Visit Proxy on the web here.

SpineMatrix® has developed the FDA-cleared Lumbar Matrix™ Scan, the first and only diagnostic procedure to produce an all-inclusive physiological image of the lower back. A patented, large surface array of non-invasive, deep-penetrating electrodes measures paraspinal neuromuscular activity and the system generates an easily interpreted image. By using a Lumbar Matrix Scan, a physician can differentiate between disc, facet and muscle pathology. Visit SpineMatrix on the web here.

Acquired by Integra
(NASDAQ: IART)

The Theken family of companies - Theken Spine, Theken Orthopaedic, Theken Disc and Therics - specializes in designing, developing, testing and marketing novel spinal implant and osteobiologic technologies that improve spinal surgical techniques, benefiting patients as well as surgeons. Visit Theken on the web here.

CSF Therapeutics is developing a novel device to prevent neurological debilitation and death caused by diminished cerebral blood flow. This condition affects more than 10 million individuals in the US alone, and includes indications such as stroke and Alzheimer’s disease. Based on the research at The Cleveland Clinic, CSF Therapeutics’ device is designed to increase cerebral blood flow indefinitely without affecting vascular or systemic function. Visit CSF Therapeutics on the web here.

Checkpoint Surgical, a spinout company from NDI Medical, has developed a single use nerve location and protection device for intraoperative use by surgeons. The product is useful in over 2 million orthopedic, ENT, neurological and plastic surgeries. Checkpoint is designed to provide safer and more accurate performance than current methods. It has FDA approval and has completed a favorable market validation study.

IntElect was founded in 2003 based on the research of Ali Rezai, M.D., an internationally recognized functional neurosurgeon at The Cleveland Clinic. The company is focused on advancing deep brain stimulation (DBS) therapy for improving the recovery of chronic Stroke and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) patients. Visit IntElect on the web here.

Product line acquired by Medtronic
(NYSE: MDT)

NDI Medical’s platform MICROPULSE™ system features the smallest available rechargeable implantable pulse generator (IPG), along with implantable leads and surgical delivery tools that can be customized to achieve clinical, therapeutic and business objectives. Visit the NDI Medical website here.

Neuros Medical, is focused on developing neurostimulation therapies for unmet needs to patients worldwide. The Company’s neurostimulation therapy delivers solutions for patients with chronic pain and other neuro-muscular disorders including spasticity. The Company’s platform technology provides patients with elimination of chronic pain and spasticity in a variety of applications including neuroma/phantom limb pain with potential applications in cancer pain, diabetic neuropathy, cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, and stroke.

SPR Therapeutics is developing a platform technology which utilizes peripheral nerve stimulation methods to treat a variety of different pain disorders. The first application of the technology is for improved treatment of post-stroke shoulder pain, a disorder that affects a large number of post-stroke survivors. The product consists of two components: an externally-worn NeuroPill device for the acute phase and an implantable programmable generator with leads for chronic use when appropriate following the acute phase.

Synapse Biomedical has developed minimally invasive surgery and neurostimulation devices to provide ventilation for patients with respiratory muscle impairment allowing them to breathe without respirator support. It is comprised of investigators from University Hospitals, MetroHealth and Case Western Reserve University. Visit the Synapse Biomedical website here.

Fused MultiModality Imaging is developing novel multimodality imaging technology using fused 3D molecular and anatomic imaging, radioisotopes, X-ray micro CT, and optical surface imaging. Initial applications include a breast imaging system to detect the presence of cancer and functional neurological imaging for early Alzheimer’s detection. Visit FMI on the web here.

Imalux Corporation, a medical device company, will become the worldwide leader in the commercialization of medical imaging equipment and devices based on its proprietary Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) technologies. OCT, a new imaging modality for visualization of tissue microstructure, has the potential to detect abnormal near-surface tissue. Imalux received FDA clearance for its imaging device in March of 2004. Visit the Imalux website here.

Key funders: Greatbatch, Early Stage Partners, Reservoir Ventures.

m2m Imaging offers a wide range of clinical and preclinical MRI products including cryogenic coils, phased array coils and conventional coils, as well as imaging accessories for MRI, PET, CT, SPECT environments (animal beds, phantoms, physiological monitoring and heating).

Navotek is developing a system that will enable fast, real-time localization of tumors before and during external beam radiation treatments. This will allow for safer and more effective tumor treatment while minimizing the damage to healthy tissue.

QED is a manufacturer and supplier of proprietary, high-quality MRI coils that allow for faster scan-time and exceptional image clarity.

Teraphysics has developed a unique breakthrough in terahertz (THz) technology using a patent-pending nanotechnology approach to create the world’s first practical, palm-sized THz energy generator. The introduction of this revolutionary technology will lead to medical imaging (detection of cancer, dermatology and cosmetic surgery) and pharmaceutical (identification of drug polymorphs, quality control, product authentication) applications. Visit Teraphysics on the web here.

Tursiop Technologies is developing revolutionary MRI coil devices utilizing proprietary nanotechnology, which will produce higher image quality, faster scan time, smaller footprint, and much more open imaging systems. Tursiop’s coil technology will enable expanded procedural opportunities within the areas of interventional, intra-operative, and functional MRI.

Key funders: RMS Capital, JumpStart.

ViewRay is developing the Renaissance™ System 1000, which combines MRI and gamma ray radiotherapy to provide real-time beam-on imaging and targeting of tumors. MRI is the only imaging technology capable of producing a stream of dynamic images during radiation therapy which will not dose the patient with additional radiation.

BioControl USA is developing a new treatment for atrial fibrillation that involves stimulation of the epicardial fat pad nerve plexus to block inputs from the vagus nerve.

CardioInsight is commercializing electrocardiographic imaging technology developed at Case Western Reserve University. The CardioInsight technology non-invasively images electrical activity on the surface of the heart enhancing diagnosis and guiding treatment of heart arrhythmias. Learn more about CardioInsight on the web here.    

Endotronix, Inc. is a medical device company dedicated to the development and commercialization of minimally invasive wireless health monitoring products and data services. Wireless patient health monitoring has the potential to improve healthcare, both by enhancing treatment paradigms and by reducing the overall cost of hospital care. Endotronix's products include miniature implantable wireless pressure sensors, a portable external measurement unit, and data management services. The company's products capitalize on three mature technologies: radiofrequency identification (RFID), microelectromechanical systems (MEMS), and information technology (IT).

Interventional Imaging, Inc. (I3) is an early-stage medical device company focused on vascular imaging, including detection and treatment of vulnerable plaque, stent placement and RF ablation. I3 was formed by Case Western Reserve University and is based on proprietary technologies developed in the Department of Radiology at University Hospitals of Cleveland. Visit the Interventional Imaging website here.

Navis Medical represents a collaboration between Wind Crest, LLC and The Cleveland Clinic. The company has developed an innovative vascular surgical system that dramatically improves procedural efficiency, reduces procedure cost and lowers patient risk. The Variable Control Guidewire eliminates the need for multiple catheters and guidewires during invasive peripheral vascular and cardiovascular diagnostic or interventional radiologic procedures.

NeoMed Technologies has developed a novel system called the CADscreen that greatly improves a physician’s ability to diagnose Coronary Artery Disease (CAD). CADscreen is an inexpensive, non-invasive screening test capable of detecting CAD without stressing the patient, before symptoms occur. Visit NeoMed on the web here.

Key funders: Angels.

PeriTec is targeting its new technology at the cardiovascular surgical products market. The company is developing a line of products that incorporate bovine peritoneal tissue in four key vascular applications, including peripheral vascular stents. The company is based on the inventions of Timur P. Sarac, M.D., of The Cleveland Clinic.

Scitech Produtos Medicos, headquartered in Brazil, is a medical device company with a range of cardiology products. Novel products in development include a catheter for suprapapillar puncture procedures, a stent coated with a hydrophilic polymer, and a fetal cardiac bandage.

VasoLux MicroSystems, LLC has developed a novel diagnostic imaging system to help surgeons identify later-stage osteoarthritis patients who are best suited for cartilage repair procedures or joint replacement surgery. Visit VasoLux on the web here.

CerviLenz has developed a simple, economical, disposable device, which is used by healthcare professionals to accurately measure cervical length. Cervical length is an important factor in determining which women are at greater risk for preterm delivery.

Clear Catheter Solutions is a medical device company pioneering new technologies that will revolutionize drainage after surgery and trauma. Visit Clear Catheter Solutions on the web here.

CleveX has developed a new single patient disposable device that excises skin lesions while simultaneously closing the excision site with a removable metal skin clip. CleveX has received 510(k) clearance to market and sell the ExiClipTM and its accessories.

EarlySense has developed a contact-free sensor, based on advanced sensing and signal processing technologies, that supervises the low-risk patient by measuring heart and respiration rates as well as bed entries and exits, patient motion and quality of sleep, from under the mattress. This continuous supervision system is intended to help predict deteriorations in a patient’s health and subsequently prevent a potential crisis. Visit Early Sense on the web here.

Forward Medical is focused on acquiring private healthcare companies and product lines in the emergency medical and first response product segments. Visit Forward Medical on the web here.

Freedom Meditech is developing a device to non-invasively measure glucose levels for persons with diabetes. The measurement is taken from the aqueous humor of the eye using a low power light source and a methodology known as ocular polarimetry. Ocular polarimetry detects changes in the rotation of light as caused by changes in glucose levels occurring in the eye. The device aims to replace the current painful method of pricking the finger to get a blood sample for the measurement. Visit Freedom Meditech on the web here.

Key funders: JumpStart.

IceCure is a provider of innovative cryotherapy solutions focused on the women’s health market with an initial application of benign breast lumps. IceCure’s innovative IceSense™ solutions, a significantly less invasive alternative to traditional tumor excision approaches, are specifically designed for user-friendly office and freestanding clinic use. Visit IceCure on the web here.

Key funders: Bridge Investment Fund, Giza Ventures, Ofer Hi-Tech.

Oculatek™ is developing ophthalmology devices to enhance vision. The Oculatek™ device is designed to non-surgically restore the eye's accommodative reserve which improves multiple vision deficits, including presbyopia, myopia and eye fatigue. Visit Oculatek™ on the web here.

In development.

Simbionix USA Corporation is the leading developer of interactive medical simulators and simulation software to train physicians in a wide array of minimally invasive therapies. Visit the Simbionix website here.

Superior Products develops, manufactures and markets compressed gas fittings and other critical parts used by medical gas suppliers and non-medical companies in various industries. Superior also develops, acquires and markets its own branded products to compete in the large and fast-growing sleep/apnea market and related respiratory market segments. These customers consist of specialty distributors and end-users in the hospital, alternate care and home care settings. Visit the Superior Products' website here.

Syncro Medical Innovations has developed the FDA-approved Syncro Blue Tube™, a novel magnetically-guided enteral feeding tube. Successful duodenal placement of the tube is performed at the bedside without fluoroscopy, endoscopy or medications. View the company's product here.

Thermedx, LLC is a medical device company focused on Patient Temperature Management Products. The company’s initial technology provides instantaneous and on-going warming of irrigation fluids that are used in approximately 30 million surgical procedures performed annually in the U.S. The warming of these fluids assists in prevention of patient hypothermia thereby improving patient outcomes and significantly reducing hospital costs.

Aeromics, founded by Walter Boron and Marc Pelletier, will develop new therapeutics, exploiting a novel target for the treatment of CNS edema resulting from stroke, trauma, infectious disease or high altitude exposure. The company will exploit the founders’ expertise in the biological control of water and gas permeation in pathological and normal tissues.

Significant grants.

Athersys is a fully integrated pre-clinical, product discovery and development company with multiple synthetic pharmaceutical programs focused on obesity, cognition and other CNS disorders and asthma. The company has completed its initial Phase I trial on its obesity drug candidate and is preparing for the follow-on Phase II study. The company also has a major effort in regenerative medicine (cell therapy). Using its MultiStem ™ platform (Multipotent Adult Progenitor Cells, MAPCs), the company has multiple pre-clinical programs focused on cardiovascular disease, neurology, hematological and immune disorders and a range of other indications. The product is in a Phase I trail for individuals following acute myocardial infarction, a joint development with Angiotech Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Visit the Athersys website here.

ChanRx, a spin out of the ion channel services company ChanTest, will develop drug candidates identified using the proprietary ion channel assays platform of its parent. Emphasis will be on drugs with prior clinical development but NCEs will also be considered when justified. Currently, the company has two drug candidates for the treatment of atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter. Both have demonstrated improved efficacy and safety in animal models compared with the current available drugs. Both also underwent early phase clinical trials for other, unrelated indications. The lead candidate is completing a successful Phase I/II study. A third candidate compound has been identified outside the cardiovascular space. The company will initiate a Series A round to provide funds for further lead identification and development.

Cleveland BioLabs
(NASDAQ: CBLI)

Cleveland BioLabs (NASDAQ: CBLI) focuses on developing new classes of drugs that protect human tissues from injury caused by cancer treatment side effects and other pathologies involving programmed cell death. Strong success in the lab and demonstrating in vivo efficacy has complemented success in securing government and venture funding. It is based on the work of Andrei Gudkov, Ph.D. and George Stark, Ph.D., of The Cleveland Clinic. Visit the company on the web here.

Juventas Therapeutics is developing novel regenerative therapies discovered at the Cleveland Clinic for treatment of a broad range of diseases. The company’s lead product, Stromal Derived Factor-1 (SDF-1) has been proven to activate natural repair processes that promote end-organ repair following tissue injury in a broad range of pre-clinical disease models. The company’s first clinical indication will be in heart failure, for which they have demonstrated in pig models that SDF-1 therapy significantly increases cardiac function following a heart attack through recruiting stem cells to the damaged tissue, promoting cell survival and promoting blood flow. A Phase I clinical trial is targeted to start in 2009. Beyond cardiovascular applications, the company has strong pre-clinical data demonstrating therapeutic efficacy for SDF-1 in wound healing and peripheral artery disease, providing a pipeline of therapeutic opportunities.

Key Funders: Triathlon Medical Ventures, Early Stage Partners, Fletcher Spaght Ventures, Reservoir Venture Partners, Blue Chip Ventures, JumpStart, North Coast Angel Fund.

Medidermis is a research-based developer of novel therapeutic and cosmetic topical products. The company’s flagship product, acne therapeutic AcVx-25, has shown efficacy in PII trials equal to or better than the topical market leader without the significant side effects associated with current products.

NovelMed is an early stage biotechnology company that develops innovative therapies for patients who suffer from some of the most prevalent unmet medical conditions of our time. Visit NovelMed on the web here.

Thromgen is developing novel anti-platelet agents that offer advances in the treatment of acute coronary syndromes and related conditions. Its products represent a new class of thrombin receptor inhibitors, five amino acid peptides consisting of synthetic and D-amino acids that are direct thrombin inhibitors and thrombin receptor activation antagonists. The company is completing its IND enabling studies.

Tolera Therapeutics is developing novel therapies and technologies to offer patients and their doctors targeted and safer solutions for immune modulation and related medical needs. Visit Tolera on the web here.

Arteriocyte develops and markets novel medical products to improve patient outcomes in cardiac, orthopedic and vascular surgeries; in addition, the company will acquire market-leading products that have significant growth potential beyond their current use. The company recently formed a partnership with Medtronic which included the acquisition of the Magellan product line, a medical device that delivers concentrated platelets for surgical wound healing. Arteriocyte is also developing proprietary, cellular-based therapeutics using multiple sources of adult-derived stem cells (marrow, peripheral blood and umbilical cord blood) to treat diseases where ischemia is the cause or a contributing factor in the disease progression. The company completed its initial Phase I safety study in the US using autologous derived stem cells and is planning the Phase II trial. The company acquired rights to and is developing complementary technologies that enable rapid ex-vivo expansion of stem cells (NANEX), localization via bioabsorbable scaffolding and synergistic protein delivery of stem cells. Visit the Arteriocyte website here.

Athersys is a fully integrated pre-clinical, product discovery and development company with multiple synthetic pharmaceutical programs focused on obesity, cognition and other CNS disorders and asthma. The company has completed its initial Phase I trial on its obesity drug candidate and is preparing for the follow-on Phase II study. The company also has a major effort in regenerative medicine (cell therapy). Using its MultiStem ™ platform (Multipotent Adult Progenitor Cells, MAPCs), the company has multiple pre-clinical programs focused on cardiovascular disease, neurology, hematological and immune disorders and a range of other indications. The product is in a Phase I trail for individuals following acute myocardial infarction, a joint development with Angiotech Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Visit the Athersys website here.

Cell Targeting is a start-up biotech company that is developing products to target therapeutic cells to specific tissues or organs. Its products will modify the surfaces of therapeutic cells by introducing molecular agents capable of increasing the fraction of cells that engraft to target tissues. The company was founded by Arnold Caplan, Ph.D. and Jim Dennis, Ph.D., and is based on technology developed at Case and by Erkki Ruoslahti, MD, Ph.D. of the Burnham Institute.

Great Lakes Pharmaceuticals (GLP) is a start-up specialty pharmaceutical company that is developing a product, an anti-infective lock solution, to address the very high rate of in-dwelling venous catheter mediated infection. The company acquired rights to unique technologies that inhibit formation of biofilms and cradicates established biofilm. IDE enabling studies are near completion and the pivotal Phase II clinical trial is expected to begin in early 2009.

ChanTest is an ion channel services company supporting both drug safety and drug discovery/development. The company pioneered development of functional cell-based ion channel testing as a means of predicting cardiac side effects produced by non-cardiac drubs. The Company has recently added a reagents business to its service offering. The company is developing the most complete library of ion channel-expressing cell lines ever assembled and is using them as a unique platform for high throughput drug screening for new chemical entities and repurposed drugs and drug candidates. As proof-of-concept, ChanTest has discovered and patented a drug for the treatment of heart arthythmias. Its Phase II Proof of Concept study is nearing completion. Visit ChanTest on the web here.

Mork Process is an innovative & highly specialized supplier of modulized process cleaning and sterilization equipment and solutions (CIP/SIP) for GMP market. Visit Mork Process on the web here.

Key funders: Mutual Capital, Reservoir Venture Partners

Ricerca is a preclinical CRO providing both research and IND enabling study capability. The company has a unique service model that integrates biology and chemistry to efficiently and effectively support drug development. With both GLP and cGMP capability, the company also provides support for clinical trial studies including pharmacokinetic studies, API production and bioanalytical methods development and application. Visit Ricerca on the web here.

Key funders: SV Life Sciences, Cowen Capital Partners, Bain Ventures.

AnalizaDx will develop the applications of its proprietary “Structural Signature Technology” (SST) for the in vitro diagnostic market. SST is a fundamentally different method for biomarker identification and quantification that addresses the clinical problems raised by natural biological variation in protein levels. SST allows simple, low cost determination of the relative amounts of protein isoforms in biological fluids. Independent research has established that different isoforms can be associated with the presence and progress of various pathologies, including cancers. Analiza/Dx will identify suitable protein markers and develop optimized procedures and systems to enable improved diagnosis and treatment of cancer.

PrognostiX was founded in 2004 based on novel biomarker technologies developed at The Cleveland Clinic Foundation. The company is involved in the discovery and validation of molecular biomarkers and their development into products that aid in the diagnosis and treatment of a variety of diseases. The initial focus is on Myeloperoxidase (MPO), a diagnostic marker of cardiovascular risk. The company received 510(k) clearance in May of 2005 to market its first biomarker, CardioMPO™. PrognostiX is based upon the work of Stanley Hazen, M.D., Ph.D., of The Cleveland Clinic. Visit the Prognostix website here.

Key funder: ExOxEmis.

Copernicus Therapeutics, Inc. has a non-viral vector platform for delivery of polynucleotides to cells. Copernicus condenses single DNA or RNA molecules to create stable nanoparticles that are safely and efficiently taken up by both dividing and non-dividing cells. The polynucleotide payloads are efficiently and appropriately processed – transcribed or replicated – after uptake. The company's initial therapeutic to correct the gene defect underlying Cystic Fibrosis (CF) has completed a successful Phase I clinical trial in CF patients. The company is partnering with the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation which is supporting the ongoing clinical development of this therapeutic. Copernicus research collaborators also have shown that its delivery technology may allow (1) effective delivery of siRNA and inhibition of virally-mediated respiratory infections such as SARS, (2) effective delivery of nucleic acids to retinal cells, and (3) effective delivery into neurons. Visit the Copernicus website here.

Key funders: Bio Asia, Veron International, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, State of Ohio Third Frontier Program.

Transcutaneous Technologies, Inc. (TTI) of Singapore, Tokyo, and Seattle is developing novel transdermal drug delivery systems. TTI has a breakthrough iontophoretic system for safe, painless delivery of drugs through the skin. The small, battery-powered patch has been shown to cause less irritation than comparable systems, provide better dose control and faster transmission, and afford effective delivery of agents that other iontophoretic and passive transdermal drug delivery systems cannot. TTI has also developed a novel system that exploits electrostatic methods to enhance rates of drug delivery without the need for a power supply.

Key funders: Private Investors.

Lexi-Comp is a leading provider of medical information and clinical content for the healthcare industry. The company was founded in 1978 to create custom reference handbooks for clinical laboratories. Since then, Lexi-Comp has evolved its content base and technology solutions to provide clinically relevant, real-time information at the point-of-care in knowledge areas that include pharmacology, interactions, diagnostic procedures and laboratory tests, pharmacogenomics, poisoning and toxicology, dentistry, infectious diseases, and patient education. Visit Lexi-Comp on the web here.

MDG Medical has developed the ServeRx automated medication management system for reducing medication errors, enhancing nursing and pharmacy productivity, and lowering healthcare costs. The system is now being introduced in the United States and Israel targeting community hospitals. Visit the MDG Medical website here.

Key funders: Life Sciences Capital, RSL Capital, LSKW Investments.

ProPractica delivers an affordable, reliable Electronic Medical Records (EMR) solution to small and midsized physician practices. StreamlineMD, its product, is the first EMR solution to combine software, local training and support, and remote hosting into a subscription-based service. StreamlineMD is the highest-rated EMR system in the marketplace for small practices, according to the leading industry consultant, AC Group. Visit ProPractica on the web here.

Acquired by MergeHealthcare
(NASDAQ: MRGE)

Founded in 1998, RISlogic provides HIPAA-compliant, comprehensive radiology information systems (RIS) for radiology practices. RISlogic's innovative integration solution fuses information, images and dictation into a single-desktop system, eliminating the complexity, cost and time associated with the development of separate interfaces.

within3 is a web-based platform software that enables the development of trusted, online global communities exclusively for healthcare and life science professionals. On within3, health-science professionals, institutions and industry can accelerate research and improve patient outcomes by connecting, communicating and collaborating in a secure and controlled environment. Membership is by invitation only. To visit within3 click here.

workflow EHR provides innovative solutions for Electronic Health Records, messaging, and workflow. The company's exclusive HyperForms™ technology enables practitioners to work the way you do today with your own scripts, orders, and other forms on a Tablet and/or Slate PC’s – automatically mapping data fields and using “favorites” lists for improved speed and accuracy. Visit workflow.com here.

The American Safety & Health Institute is a professional safety and health association providing professional accreditation and published learning materials for national training programs in emergency medical, CPR and related training courses. The association currently supports approximately 30,000 instructors working in over 5,700 approved training centers across the nation. Visit ASHI on the web here.

Key funder: Riverside.

PartsSource is the nation's only multi-manufacturer, multi-modality alternative parts supplier supporting both Imaging and Biomed parts requests for hospital equipment. The company was the first to offer parts support for all makes, models and modalities of hospital equipment and is the first and only, company in the industry to aggregate these suppliers in an internally developed application.

Self-funded; profitable.

Key funder: Primus Capital, Polaris Ventures.

Roscoe Medical is a leading specialty distributor of respiratory supplies and replacement parts to the home medical equipment market. Visit the company on the web here.

Key funder: River Associates.

Aris Teleradiology provides quality, subspecialty interpretation services and comprehensive standardized reports to meet any radiology requirements. With 24/7 coverage and a dedicated operations support team, Aris provides a reliable, web-based turnkey technology solution that integrates seamlessly with a client’s current operational infrastructure.

CEU4U is an education management company offering a variety of services to individual and corporate healthcare professionals, providing convenient and affordable accredited continuing education courses to the allied nursing professions via the Internet. CEU4U's services also include Web-based compliance and competency testing for corporate policies and programs. Visit the company on the web here.

Key funders: Angels.

CornerStone Medical Services is a comprehensive home healthcare equipment and services company. CornerStone partners with hospitals to improve the discharge process for patients and physicians, coordinate home care services and equipment, and conduct disease management programs.

Key funder: Summa Enterprise Group.

Sarah Adult Day Services, Inc., established in 1985, is the fastest growing national provider of adult day services with over 55 franchise care centers under contract across the U.S. SarahCare centers offer functionally or cognitively impaired seniors a high-quality day service that enables families and other caregivers to continue caring for them in their own homes.

Therapy Partners was formed in 2001 and contracts with long-term care facilities to provide and manage physical, occupational and speech therapy services to residents and clients. Therapy Partners helps long-term care organizations to implement and manage cost-effective therapy programs while improving the physical functioning of residents through an interdisciplinary wellness philosophy. In addition, Therapy Partners utilizes TheraTrak™, a proprietary software package that can improve the billing process and provide long-term care facilities with functional outcomes measurements.

Key funders: Angels.

Treatment Online provides comprehensive internet-based behavioral health services via online valuation tools used by employees in initial screening for depression, anxiety, ADHD, and many other commonly occurring psychological syndromes. Treatment Online uses the familiarity and anonymity of the Internet to provide Behavioral Fitness™ for people who are stigmatized about seeking help for behavioral problems. It combines a rich choice of self-help resources with real-time online consultation with a professional therapist, resulting in customized care for each participant.

Acquired by Walgreen (NYSE: WAG)

Whole Health (NYSE: WAG) is the leader in quality and service for the on-site healthcare industry. The Whole Health program enables employers to provide self-insured healthcare to employees ranging from primary and urgent care to preventative health and wellness programs while also reducing costs and increasing employee productivity. Visit Whole Health on the web here.

VitalStream Health, in partnership with the Cleveland Clinic, is developing its first remote monitoring service for chronic illnesses, a telephonic blood pressure monitoring and web-enabled report card system called CardiaClinicTM to help the tens of millions of adults with chronic hypertension (high blood pressure).

Zin Medical has vMetrics, a fully configurable, multi-parameter wireless biometric monitoring platform technology. Devices built off of the vMetrics platform are able to provide monitoring and two way communications (in real-time or delayed via onboard data storage options) of multiple patient vital signs for pre- and post-operative, clinical trial, home healthcare, and consumer wellness applications. Visit Zin Medical on the web here.

Partnership of Zin Technologies and Cleveland Clinic.

Eris Medical Technologies has developed erisRx, a next generation web-based software solution that incorporates leading hospital change practices, governmental regulatory guidelines and predictive logic to identify missing charges from itemized bill (pre-billed service review), final bill (post-bill audit), or both. The software provides healthcare revenue management teams, clinical staff, and hospital administration with an automated tool to review patient charges both prospectively and retrospectively, prioritize and trend charge capture opportunities, and more effectively manage the hospital patient charge capture process.

Self-funded.

Acquired by Invacare
(NYSE: IVC)

Homecare Collection Service provides a customizable suite of cash flow enhancement services to the HME/DME and homecare markets. Since 2003, HCS has consistently built both its customer base and reputation for industry leading patient-pay services.

Human Arc’s focus is on reimbursement recovery for healthcare providers, revenue enhancements for health plans, and healthcare coverage cost savings for employers. Since it’s founding, Human Arc has specialized in eligibility screening and enrollment assistance for governmentally funded healthcare coverage, producing over a billion dollars in eligibility-related income for it’s clients.

MediQuant is a software firm providing Medicare billing and reimbursement solutions for healthcare providers, primarily hospitals and health networks. Visit the MediQuant website here. 

MyriadHealth, LLC, established in 2003, focuses on internet delivery of software and services to healthcare claims administrators. The current management builds on over 25 years of experience in industry. The MyriadHealth system is a web-based, real time claims management platform used by third party administrators and self-administered health plans that integrates the claims adjudication process from the point of care through the payment of services.

NextMED Systems provides outsourced billing and claims management services to the outpatient care industry, improving clients' cash flow and profitability. Its services also include an integrated suite of software-based business and clinical applications, as well as analytical and decision support tools that are available on physicians' desktops. Visit the NextMed Systems website here.

Key funders: Blue Chip Ventures, Primus.