Endotronix’s successful acquisition is a testament to Northeast Ohio's tech ecosystem
By Laura Beans Sika
Startup success is a long game. The journey to a profitable exit can easily take 7-10 years, especially for startups in the healthcare technology sector where startups must navigate a highly regulated and often onerous landscape of laws and standards. Compliance – and patience – are critical for founders to gain traction in this complex industry.
For Endotronix, an early JumpStart Ventures portfolio company that was recently acquired by Edwards Lifesciences, the full circle transition from an early-stage company to a commercial solution began with Northeast Ohio’s robust tech and health innovation ecosystem. Co-founded in 2007 by Harry Rowland, Ph.D., and cardiothoracic surgeon Dr. Anthony Nunez, the pair sought to develop an implantable, wireless pressure sensor platform to help manage cardiovascular health.
Endotronix co-founder Harry Rowland, Ph.D.
Nunez and Rowland understood the power of remotely monitoring pulmonary artery pressure as an early indication of worsening heart failure. Affecting over 6.5 million Americans, heart failure significantly diminishes a person’s quality of life. Additionally, their ties with world-renowned Northeast Ohio institutions were key springboards to bring the vision to life.
Nunez’s early connections with NASA Glenn Research Center, where in 2007, they were exploring how to use space communication technology to power implantable sensors to monitor astronaut’s vital signs, opened doors for Endotronix, giving them access to license NASA's cutting-edge patents.
The company also leveraged Cleveland Clinic's ecosystem of researchers and clinicians, as well as the Lerner Research Institute, to help advance preclinical studies and product development.
"These professional networks and powerful resources gave us the momentum to refine our technology, build clinical partnerships and navigate the commercialization process," Rowland explains.
Endotronix continued to grow, attracting early-stage funding from the Lorain County Community College Innovation Fund as well as support from JumpStart Ventures, Luxembourg Capital and others, catalyzing the company's growth by adding both investment and strategic direction.
Since then, Endotronix developed the Cordella system, which collects pulmonary artery pressure and non-invasive vital sign data, allowing remote management and revolutionizing care for patients with heart failure. By allowing cardiologists to monitor patients at home and adjust medication in real-time, Cordella reduces hospitalizations and enhances quality of life.
Fast forward to 2024, the FDA granted pre-market approval for the implantable Cordella Pulmonary Artery Sensor, marking a significant milestone that caught the attention of Edwards Lifesciences, a leading global healthcare company that specializes in structural heart innovation. Having made a previous investment in 2016, Edwards’ exercised its option to acquire Endotronix to expand its structural heart portfolio.
Endotronix’s success and its subsequent exit underscores the power of Northeast Ohio’s health innovation ecosystem, a crucial component in transforming ideas into powerful technology with global implications.
"The capital, expertise and networks from Northeast Ohio were instrumental," says Rowland. "Without the ecosystem's support, our journey—from concept to exit—would have been vastly different."
Laura Beans Sika is a professional writer and communications manager at JumpStart, Inc., a non-profit entrepreneur support organization that provides services and resources to help Ohio's tech startups and small businesses grow.