NOvate Medical Technologies

NOvate Medical Technologies, LLC was a medical device company with a dual focus, developing solutions for both global health and complex vascular issues. The initial information describes NOvate's first product as SafeSnip (later InfaClip), a low-cost, disposable plastic obstetric tool designed to simultaneously cut, clamp, and shield the umbilical cord to prevent infection during childbirth. This product was aimed at reducing neonatal and maternal mortality in developing countries and regions where home births are common and sanitary conditions may be lacking. The device was engineered for mass production to retail for under one US dollar, ensuring accessibility.

However, the company, founded in 2006 by former C.R. Bard executives Chas Taylor and Paul Gilson, pivoted or expanded its focus to address pulmonary embolisms. This direction led to the development of the Sentry device, an inferior vena cava (IVC) filter. The key feature of the Sentry filter was its bioconvertible nature; it was designed to degrade harmlessly within the body after the risk of a blood clot has passed. This process eliminates the need for a second surgical procedure to remove the filter, a common requirement for other temporary IVC filters which carry risks of fracture and migration.

Operating from Galway, Ireland, a major medtech hub, the company successfully navigated the complex regulatory landscape. Over its lifetime, Novate raised more than $22 million from investors including Act Venture Capital, Seroba Life Sciences, Omnes Capital, and Enterprise Ireland. A significant Series A round in 2007 raised approximately $5.5 million, followed by a Series B round in 2011 that secured about $12.6 million. The company's efforts culminated in receiving 510(k) regulatory clearance from the U.S. FDA for the Sentry device. Following successful clinical trials that demonstrated the device's safety and effectiveness, NOvate Medical was acquired by the British specialty healthcare company BTG in September 2018. The acquisition deal was structured with an initial cash payment of $20 million and potential future payments of up to $130 million based on commercial milestones. Keywords: bioconvertible IVC filter, Sentry device, pulmonary embolism prevention, vascular devices, absorbable medical device, inferior vena cava filter, clot prevention, medtech acquisition, Paul Gilson, Chas Taylor, BTG, venous thromboembolism, obstetric device, SafeSnip, InfaClip, umbilical cord clamp, global health, neonatal mortality, low-cost medical devices