Simavita's US partner wins first big contract

Simavita (ASX:SVA) has scored its first major US win for its smart incontinence management (SIM) system.

Exclusive North American distribution partner Medline has won a deal to supply the system to all skilled nursing facilities operated by US aged care provider Lorien Health Systems.

Lorien operates nine skilled nursing facilities and five assisted living facilities in the state of Maryland.

Simavita said it is expected that Lorien will conduct around 700 SIM assessments during the 12-month life of the contract, for a total value to Medline of around US$250,000 ($277,000).

Medline launched SIM in the US in June and fulfilled its first orders in July.

“Simavita is pleased to see sales momentum building around our SIM system in the US, and Lorien’s belief in evidence-based practices makes SIM an ideal fit for their business,” Simavita CEO Philippa Lewis said.

Simavita separately announced that chairman Peter Cook has resigned from the board. Cook was appointed director in November last year, after Simavita merged with Genetic Technologies’ (ASX: GTG) Canadian-listed subsidiary Gtech International Resources (Gtech). He was subsequently named chairman in January.

The board has commenced the hunt for a replacement as well as for additional non-executive directors, Simavita said. Ari Bergman has taken over as acting chairman while the replacement is found.

Simavita (ASX:SVA) shares were trading 1.79% higher at $0.57 as of around 3 pm on Tuesday.