Butterfly Network, Inc. (NYSE: BFLY), a digital health enterprise renowned for its portable ultrasound technology, has partnered with Mendaera, a Silicon Valley-based company specializing in medical robotics. The collaboration aims to commercialize an innovative robotic system powered by Butterfly’s Ultrasound-on-Chip technology.
The agreement between the two companies involves the development of a robotic system that integrates Mendaera’s advanced technology with Butterfly’s ultrasound chip. Notably, the arrangement includes a revenue-sharing model for each unit of the new system sold once it hits the market.
Mendaera specializes in creating medical robotics that assist healthcare providers in performing complex procedures confidently. Their technology is set to seamlessly integrate with Butterfly’s semiconductor-based ultrasound device through Butterfly’s software development kit, Butterfly Garden. This collaboration seeks to enhance precision and consistency in image-guided, needle-based interventions across various medical procedures.
The joint initiative aims to improve access to high-quality interventional treatments, streamlining patient care in a healthcare landscape dealing with workforce shortages and burnout. Both companies are targeting an FDA submission for the product by 2025.
Chief Strategy Officer of Butterfly Network, Darius Shahida, highlighted the potential of this collaboration: “Mendaera’s robotic system complements Butterfly’s Ultrasound-on-Chip, leveraging a range of ultrasonic sensing applications unique to our chip. We anticipate our joint solution will significantly expand Butterfly’s reach and impact within interventional procedures.”
Josh DeFonzo, Co-Founder and CEO of Mendaera, emphasized their shared vision, stating, “Mendaera aims to make high-quality intervention universally accessible across healthcare facilities. Partnering with Butterfly aligns with our vision due to their unique Ultrasound-on-Chip platform and common mission.”
This announcement follows Mendaera’s successful Series A Funding of $24 million in August 2023, led by Lux Capital, alongside contributions from Founders Fund, Operator Partners, Allen & Company, and Parade Ventures. Additionally, Mendaera disclosed the completion of the research and design phase for this pioneering robotic system, marking significant progress in their collaboration with Butterfly Network.
