Medical device company OtoNexus is developing and commercializing a device that uses Doppler ultrasound to provide more accurate diagnoses of middle ear infections.
As the No. 1 reason for pediatric antibiotic use, middle ear infections are a problem that affect millions and cost billions, according to Seattle-based OtoNexus CEO Caitlin Cameron. Under-diagnosis of middle ear infections can lead to surgery and permanent hearing loss, while incorrect diagnoses can lead to overuse of antibiotics.
The company, founded six years ago, received a $1.2 million grant from the National Institutes for Health along with an undisclosed amount from the Philadelphia Pediatric Medical Device Consortium.
Cameron plans to have the devices in Seattle's and Philadelphia's children's hospitals by the end of this year or early next year. From there, she hopes to expand to children's hospitals across the country before selling the company to a bigger medical device manufacturer.
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