Picard Medical and Hydrix Collaborate to Advance Total Artificial Heart Technology
TUCSON, Ariz., January 12, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) – Picard Medical, Inc. (NYSE American: PMI) has announced a significant development collaboration with Hydrix Services Pty Ltd, a subsidiary of Hydrix Limited (ASX: HYD). The agreement, finalized on January 5, 2026, marks the initiation of an essential phase to develop the Emperor, SynCardia’s next-generation fully implantable Total Artificial Heart (TAH) technology.
Key Features of the Emperor TAH
The Emperor TAH is designed to provide numerous advantages, including:
- Fully Implantable: Eliminates the need for an external driver.
- Enhanced Mobility: Increases patient mobility and convenience.
- Development Expertise: Created in partnership with Hydrix, known for its expertise in medical devices.
Collaboration Goals and Benefits
With this partnership, SynCardia aims to leverage Hydrix’s engineering capabilities to advance the development of innovative solutions for patients suffering from advanced heart failure. Patrick N.J. Schnegelsberg, CEO of SynCardia, expressed confidence in this partnership, stating, “Hydrix’s expertise and demonstrated track record in advancing complex cardiovascular technologies will support our shared objective.”
This collaboration may also enable Picard Medical to benefit from Australian R&D tax incentives, potentially covering around 43% of eligible expenditures.
Hydrix’s Enthusiasm for the Project
Gavin Coote, Executive Chairman of Hydrix, shared his excitement regarding the collaboration, saying, “We are excited to commence this critical development with SynCardia, a highly regarded global leader in advanced heart replacement technology.” The project highlights Hydrix’s capability to execute complex medical device development programs and reflects their commitment to advancing health technologies.
Structure of the Development Program
The development work under this agreement will extend through the end of 2026 and will serve as the first phase of a comprehensive multi-stage plan for the Emperor TAH. The program will progress through defined engineering verification and regulatory milestones, with continuation contingent upon demonstrated technical performance and safety validation.
About Hydrix Limited and Picard Medical
Hydrix Limited (ASX: HYD) specializes in innovating medical technologies, aiming to enhance the overall health and well-being of individuals globally through various services including development and investment in MedTech.
Picard Medical, Inc., the parent company of SynCardia Systems, LLC, is the leading provider of commercially available total artificial heart technology. The SynCardia Total Artificial Heart is the only artificial heart approved by both the FDA and Health Canada and has been implanted over 2,100 times globally, making it the most widely used artificial heart in the world.
Contact Information
For more information about Picard Medical, interested parties can visit www.picardmedical.com or review the Company’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission at www.sec.gov.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements involving risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ. The company disclaims any obligation to update or revise these statements based on changes in circumstances or expectations.