AtriCure, Inc. was started in November 2000 to develop instruments to treat atrial fibrillation by ablating areas of atrial tissue from outside the heart via a minimally invasive surgical approach, mimicking the classic Cox/MAZE procedure. The Series A and Series B financings were syndicated with USVP, Camden, Charter and Foundation Medical Partners. AtriCure completed an IPO in August 2005. Partisan and related entities invested $2.4 million in AtriCure, have sold a portion of our holdings for $7.5 million, and currently own approximately 2.2% of the Company.
Neuronetics, Inc. was started via a purchase of intellectual property in July 2001. Partisan principals and Accuitive Medical Venture principals provided the seed funding. Subsequent financing has been provided by Accuitive, Three Arch, Investor Growth Capital, Interwest, Onset, Quaker BioVentures, KBL, New Leaf, Pfizer and Polaris. Neuronetics is commercializing a technology to non-invasively stimulate brain tissue with pulsed magnetic fields. The initial application is to treat depression. Two recently completed clinical trials have demonstrated that the company's treatment is highly effective in about 50% of drug-resistant patients. In October 2008 Neuronetics received FDA approval to initiate marketing. Partisan principals and the Weldon Foundation have invested $925,000 and own approximately 2% of the Company.
Communication Science, Inc. was founded in 1989 to provide kits of medical supplies and instructions for patients to self-treat various medical conditions. The key competency of Careguide is the use of ethnography to develop and perfect medical instructions. Over time, Careguide has focused on chronic diseases and has completed a series of clinical studies demonstrating a pronounced increase in compliance and a major reduction in medical costs associated with the use of the Company's kits. Partisan principals and related entities have invested $1.4 million in Careguide and own approximately 25% of the Company.
Ash Access, Inc. was spun out of HemoCleanse in October 2003 to develop improved central venous and peritoneal catheters for hemodialysis patients. In 2007 Ash Access entered into a distribution and sale option agreement with AngioDynamics, Inc. for the catheter products. In addition, Ash Access developed a catheter lock solution named Zuragen that is used to prevent both coagulation and blood infections for patients using hemodialysis and other long-term, indwelling catheters. Initial clinical trial results for Zuragen have been positive. Subsequently, Ash Access developed a surgical preparation solution named ZuraPrep. Initial clinical trials of ZuraPrep indicate that it is superior to all presently marketed surgical preparations. ZuraPrep and other related assets have been spun out of Ash Access into a wholly owned subsidiary named Zurex Pharma, Inc. Partisan principals have invested $500,000 in Ash Access and own approximately 4% of the Company and its subsidiary.
ZS Pharma, Inc. has developed a portfolio of innovative, non-systemic and selective oral sorbents designed to remove excess potassium, ammonium, urea and phosphate in the stomach and lower intestines in a safe and well tolerated manner. The leading compound, zirconium silicate (ZS), for use as an oral sorbent was jointly developed by UOP, LLC (now owned by Honeywell, Inc.) and HemoCleanse, Inc., Lafayette, Indiana. ZS is designed to be ingested by patients with early stage renal failure to delay the onset of hemodialysis. Partisan principals and a related foundation own approximately 2% of the company.
Surefire Medical, Inc. was started in mid-2009 to develop specialized catheters for interventional oncology. The Company's goal is to precisely deliver embolic agents to solid tumors, substantially reducing damage to adjacent healthy tissues, as compared to present treatment methods. The company has been financed by Partisan principals, angel investors, and High Country Ventures. Surefire has completed the development of its initial product line, has secured FDA clearance to sell in the U.S., and has completed first-in-man trials in Australia. A limited sales release began in September 2011, exceeding year-end expectations. A full-fledged product launch began in January 2012.