NelDerm

NelDerm is a company that specializes in developing innovative solutions for the treatment and prevention of pressure injuries. Their flagship product, the HeelP.O.D., is a first-of-its-kind offloading device designed to address the significant pain points associated with traditional pressure offloading solutions used in acute care and long-term care facilities.

The HeelP.O.D. utilizes NelDerm's proprietary P.O.D. technology, co-invented by the company's founder, Kevin Nelson, and Wound Care Physician Dr. David Perse. This technology aims to provide an effective offloading solution for patients at all risk levels, helping to mitigate the substantial medical and legal risks associated with pressure injuries.

Pressure injuries, also known as pressure ulcers, are localized tissue damage caused by pressure, shear, friction, or a combination of these factors, typically occurring over bony prominences. The National Pressure Injury Advisory Panel reports that more than 2.5 million patients per year are impacted by pressure injuries in the US as of 2023.

NelDerm's innovative approach to pressure injury prevention and treatment addresses a pressing need in the healthcare industry, as pressure injuries not only pose significant risks to patient health and well-being but also contribute to substantial financial burdens for healthcare facilities. A study published in healthcare Finance News in October 2019 estimated that pressure ulcers cost the US healthcare system USD 26.8 billion annually.

In addition to the HeelP.O.D., NelDerm has demonstrated its adaptability and commitment to meeting urgent healthcare needs. During the height of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020, the company pivoted its manufacturing capabilities to produce over 2 million face shields, which were distributed to healthcare facilities across the country to address the high demand for personal protective equipment (PPE).