Edwin Warfield Interviews David Narrow, CEO of Sonavex

Sonavex: The Story of How David Narrow, Jerry Prince Built Devices to Ease Dialysis

Sonavex co-founder and CEO David Narrow studied biomedical engineering at University of Rochester, and Bioengineering Innovation & Design at Johns Hopkins, before he and a bunch of engineers huddled into operating rooms at Johns Hopkins to think up new ideas.

Years down the road, Narrow and Jerry Prince, the William B. Kouwenhoven Professor of Computer Engineering, Radiology and Biomedical Engineering at Johns Hopkins, have emerged with a pair of breakthrough devices for people needing regular dialysis.

The devices — called EchoMark and EchoSure — use advanced ultrasound technologies and artificial intelligence to help eliminate use of catheters, which can often cause infections. Instead, the devices use a fistula to filter blood in patients with malfunctioning kidneys. “EchoMark is an ultrasound-visible marker that can be implanted to monitor the fistula and reduce the use of catheters for hemodialysis,” said Time magazine as it listed the device among the “Best Inventions of 2024.”

The twin devices enable close monitoring of arteriovenous (AV) fistula — a process that connects an artery and a vein to ease hemodialysis. But up to 50% of fistulas simply fail, and even the successful ones take an average of seven months for “maturation.” Sonavex’s devices provide automated ultrasound solutions to quantify and visualize critical clinical data to assist with maturation assessment and create a safer and easier alternative for dialysis.

Maryland’s TEDCO has played a key role in the development of Sonavex. Starting in 2017, TEDCO has invested in the company multiple times, from multiple funds, including the Maryland Innovation Initiative (MII), Life Science Investment Fund (LSIF) and Seed Funds. TEDCO has also extended its Loaned Executive program to Sonavex.

“Sonavex has developed innovative technologies that could support transitioning patients to safer dialysis opportunities,” said Katherine Hill Ritchie, senior director at TEDCO’s Venture Funds. “This technology will hopefully positively impact the lives of patients on dialysis.”

In an interview with citybiz CEO and Publisher Edwin Warfield, Narrow thanked TEDCO and nonprofits such as the Abel Foundation for invaluable assistance in the early period when Sonavex was not eligible for federal and other grants. He also expressed appreciation for support from family offices in Baltimore and investors, especially in a “challenging fund-raising environment.”

“The first two years was a real scientific exercise, more research than development,” Narrow said, as he recounted Sonavex’s “incredible” journey with an extraordinarily talented team, and explained the technology behind the devices.

“It’s been a fun last 12 months,” Narrow said, as Sonavax readied the devices and also expanded its portfolio. The company also developed another device that helps with needle insertion issues in kidney patients.

Narrow also recounted his first shot at entrepreneurship — a “rewarding venture” — when at the University of Rochester. Called ManoMano, Narrow developed ways to help stroke survivors ride a cycle with just one arm and one leg.

Connect with David on LinkedIn

Interview questions:

Funding | Sonavax closed on a $15 Million Series A-2 in October. Several new investors participated, including Unorthodox Ventures and Riptide Ventures. Please tell us about the funding and the new investors.

The Technology | Can you explain the EchoMark and EchoSure technology? How are the breakthrough technologies combined into one solution? How are you improving hemodialysis? Explain bioresorbable implant + custom automated 3D ultrasound.

Johns Hopkins | Sonavax was spun out of Johns Hopkins. How was the technology developed? Can you provide an overview of how it was spun out?

Timeline | What are some highlights since Sonvax was spun out of Hopkins?

Career |Your career at Johns Hopkins started as a research assistant in Biomedical Engineering. You went on to start a biomedical company called MonoMano. Please walk us through your career up to founding Sonavax.

Team | Who are the other members of the management team at Sonavax?

Growth | What are the growth plans for Sonavax?

Sonavex, Inc. is a Baltimore-based medical device company originally spun out of Johns Hopkins. The company has developed a portfolio of novel ultrasound solutions that empower patient care by delivering critical visual and quantitative data to improve outcomes and reduce costs. For more information, please visit www.sonavex.com.