Company Profile
CathBuddy, Inc. d/b/a Aurie is a US-based medical device startup developing reusable no-touch intermittent urinary catheter systems, headquartered in Syracuse, New York, USA. Founded in 2018 by industrial designer Souvik Paul, the company operates as an independent private entity, serving adult male patients living with neurogenic bladder, spinal cord injuries, and urinary retention.
Core Products & Technologies
Aurie Reusable No-Touch Intermittent Catheter System
• Aurie Reusable Catheter: No-touch intermittent catheter indicated for adult male patients, designed for up to 100 uses, featuring polished eyelets, a tip-end eyelet for maximum emptying, and an articulating support handle to prevent slippage during insertion; free of phthalates and BPA
• Aurie Personal Washer-Disinfector: Portable, battery-powered automated device that cleans, high-level disinfects, and lubricates the catheter between uses in 36 minutes with prepackaged supply pods and tap water
• No-Touch Insertion Sleeve: Integrated introducer tip and insertion sleeve designed to protect the catheter from contamination during insertion, enabling catheterization on the go
Digital & Support Ecosystem
• Use Tracking: Built-in cycle counter to track catheter uses and alert users when replacement is needed
• User Advisory Board: Community of catheter users with 20+ combined years of lived experience guiding product development and go-to-market strategy
Market Position & Certifications
Aurie holds a pioneering position as the developer of the world's first reusable intermittent catheter system, competing with Hollister and Coloplast in the broader intermittent catheter market. Key strengths include:
• First-ever reusable classification: FDA De Novo clearance granted on April 30, 2026 (DEN250023), establishing a new device classification category for reusable intermittent catheter technology
• Safer Technologies Program (STeP): Designated by FDA in 2022 for devices expected to significantly improve safety over existing options
• Rigorous validation: Microbiology testing at University of Notre Dame and human factors studies with over 120 catheter users and 60 prototype testers
• User-centered design: Products co-designed with the disability community to advance health, freedom, and independence
• Sustainability impact: System reduces annual catheter waste from ~2,400 single-use units to approximately 24 reusable units per user
Corporate Timeline
2018 — Founded in Syracuse, NY, as CathBuddy, Inc., inspired by founder Souvik Paul's family member with spinal cord injury
2021 — Accepted into NEMIC Foundation Accelerator Program; conducted human factors testing in Houston, TX
2022 — Granted FDA Safer Technologies Program (STeP) designation for the reusable catheter system
2023 — Rebranded from CathBuddy to Aurie; featured in Harvard Innovation Labs venture portfolio
2026 — Granted FDA De Novo marketing authorization on April 30; publicly announced on May 11 as the first reusable intermittent catheter system cleared in the United States; Manu Varma appointed independent board director
Target Markets & Applications
• Spinal Cord Injury Care: Intermittent catheterization for VA spinal cord injury hospitals and rehabilitation centers
• Neurogenic Bladder Management: Daily bladder drainage for adult males with spinal cord injuries, multiple sclerosis, and spina bifida
• Urinary Retention: Catheterization support for adult male patients with incomplete bladder emptying due to neurological conditions
• Home Self-Catheterization: Portable system enabling independent catheterization at home, work, and while traveling
Contact Information
Global Headquarters
Address: 841 East Fayette St., Syracuse, NY 13210, USA
Email: souvik@livewithaurie.com
Website: livewithaurie.com
Corporate Structure
CathBuddy, Inc. d/b/a Aurie operates as an independent private startup with no publicly traded parent company.
Founder ＆ CEO: Souvik Paul
Board Director: Manu Varma (independent)
Estimated Staff: ~9 employees
Investor Relations: Not applicable — privately held pre-revenue startup with no publicly traded stock.
