Simergent

Simergent is a medical device company focused on developing solutions for the home dialysis market. Founded in late 2014 by Steve Lindo and Dr. Rick Pendergraft, the company aims to address significant challenges in automated peritoneal dialysis (APD). The founders leveraged their collective experience in the medical device industry, including R&D, systems engineering, and product development, to establish the company. Steve Lindo, the CEO, was previously the Lead System Designer for Baxter Healthcare's APD system, and Dr. Rick Pendergraft, the CTO, has extensive experience in software and design engineering for regulated industries.

The company operates on a business model centered on selling its primary product, the Archimedes APD system, directly to dialysis clinics and providers. This approach targets the costs to be covered by Medicare budgets allocated to these providers. Simergent is developing its device for both the U.S. and emerging international markets like Mexico, China, and India, where affordable home dialysis options are critically needed. The firm was launched through the Chicago-based health-tech incubator, MATTER, and maintains offices in both Chicago and Oklahoma City. Since its inception, Simergent has raised a total of $10.6 million over three funding rounds, including a significant $2.835 million seed round in 2019 led by i2E, Inc. and a Series A round for $7.8 million in March 2024.

Simergent's core product is the Archimedes automated peritoneal dialysis system, which is currently not FDA approved and not yet available for sale. The system is engineered to be more affordable, user-friendly, and to improve the patient experience compared to existing devices. Key features of the Archimedes system include a design intended to reduce peritonitis, the most common complication leading to the discontinuation of peritoneal dialysis. It also aims to minimize patient discomfort through significantly lower filling and draining pressures and nearly silent operation to avoid disrupting sleep. The device features a user interface with graphics and animations to simplify training and troubleshooting for patients. The system's design also promotes greater mobility within the home during treatment, addressing a common complaint from patients who feel confined by their current devices.

Keywords: home dialysis, peritoneal dialysis, medical device, automated peritoneal dialysis, kidney disease, renal failure, MedTech, Archimedes system, patient-centric care, dialysis clinics, healthcare cost reduction, emerging markets dialysis, Steve Lindo, Rick Pendergraft, MATTER incubator, i2E, peritonitis prevention, drain pain reduction, home healthcare, renal care, nephrology, FDA clearance, medical technology, dialysis equipment, chronic kidney disease