Hydrix (ASX:HYD) has announced that its wholly owned subsidiary, Hydrix Services, has entered a contract with SynCardia Systems, a subsidiary of Picard Medical, to commence the initial development phase of SynCardia's next-generation fully implantable total artificial heart, known as the Emperor.
Valued at approximately $2.5 million, the project is expected to be completed within the 2026 calendar year and represents the first phase of a broader, multi-stage, multiyear program that will progress through engineering, verification, and regulatory milestones.
The collaboration will focus on a ground-up systems architecture encompassing electromechanical actuation, embedded software, energy management, and safety-critical redundancy.
Patrick N.J. Schnegelsberg, CEO of SynCardia Systems, said, "Hydrix's expertise and demonstrated track record in advancing complex cardiovascular technologies will support our shared objective of developing transformative solutions for patients with advanced heart failure."
Gavin Coote, Executive Chairman of Hydrix, added, "We are excited to commence this critical development with SynCardia, a highly regarded global leader in advanced heart replacement technology. It endorses Hydrix’s capability to deliver complex, safety-critical medical device development programs for leading international medical technology companies."
The Emperor platform is being designed as a fully implantable system to eliminate external pneumatic drivers and expand long-term support options, with SynCardia retaining responsibility for system architecture, regulatory sponsorship, and clinical strategy, while Hydrix provides specialised engineering support across electronics, software, mechanical, usability, and safety-critical design disciplines.
At the time of reporting, Hydrix's share price was $0.021.