Somnair's $4.3M Seed Funding to Revolutionize Sleep Apnea Treatment

Somnair, a Towson, Md.-based startup founded by Johns Hopkins alumni, has successfully raised $4.3 million in a seed round to develop a groundbreaking device aimed at managing obstructive sleep apnea. The team, comprising Anders Sideris, Mitchell Turley, Phoebe Dijour, and Shri Prabha Shivram, all Johns Hopkins Whiting School of Engineering graduates, is leveraging their biodesign expertise to address a critical gap in sleep apnea treatment. Their innovative approach focuses on a non-invasive neurostimulation device designed to be worn in the mouth, targeting the root cause of obstructive sleep apnea by stimulating a specific nerve to open the airway. Early results from a proof-of-concept study with Johns Hopkins School of Medicine physicians show promising outcomes for patients intolerant to traditional CPAP therapy.

MedStar Health, a key early backer, supports Somnair's mission to revolutionize sleep apnea treatment, highlighting the potential impact on the estimated 54 million Americans suffering from the condition. The device's development was inspired by extensive research and patient feedback, aiming to provide a comfortable and effective alternative to existing treatments. This initiative not only showcases the power of interdisciplinary collaboration but also offers hope for those struggling with sleep apnea and its associated health risks.