Author: Ken Dropiewski

Orchestra BioMed Receives FDA Breakthrough Device Designation for AVIM Therapy

Breakthrough Device Designation (“BDD”) applies to an estimated U.S. population of over 7.7 million patients with uncontrolled hypertension and increased cardiovascular riskBDD also encompasses pacemaker-indicated patients with uncontrolled hypertension who are the focus of the BACKBEAT global pivotal study Orchestra BioMed is currently enrolling in strategic collaboration with Medtronic, plc (NYSE: MDT)BDD status provides accelerated FDA engagement and reviews for AVIM therapy; it also supports potential pathways to secure higher reimbursement for AVIM-enabled devices in the future NEW HOPE, Pa., April 22, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Orchestra BioMed Holdings, Inc. (Nasdaq: OBIO) (“Orchestra BioMed” or the “Company”), a biomedical company accelerating high-impact technologies to patients through risk-reward sharing partnerships, today announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”) has granted Breakthrough Device Designation (“BDD”) for atrioventricular interval modulation (“AVIM”) therapy. Specifically, the BDD is for an implantable system (i.e., a pacemaker) to deliver AVIM therapy using conduction system pacing to reduce blood pressure in patients with increased ten-year atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (“ASCVD”) risk, preserved left ventricular systolic function, and uncontrolled hypertension, despite the use of anti-hypertensive medications or in patients who may have intolerance to anti-hypertensive medications. Orchestra BioMed estimates that there are over 7.7 million patients in the U.S. that meet the criteria for the BDD for AVIM therapy. AVIM therapy is currently being evaluated under an FDA investigational device exemption (“IDE”) in the BACKBEAT global pivotal study which is being conducted by Orchestra BioMed in collaboration with Medtronic. The BACKBEAT pivotal study is enrolling pacemaker-indicated patients with uncontrolled hypertension despite the use of anti-hypertensive medication, a key subpopulation under the BDD for which Orchestra BioMed believes AVIM therapy may offer optimal clinical benefit. “We are delighted to have received FDA Breakthrough Device Designation for AVIM therapy which has the potential to offer a differentiated, advantageous solution for hypertension management in a broad population,” commented David Hochman, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Orchestra BioMed. “Patients at higher risk for mortality and morbidity associated with high blood pressure are the core of the population we are actively enrolling in the BACKBEAT global pivotal study of hypertensive pacemaker-indicated patients in collaboration with Medtronic. The FDA Breakthrough Device Designation recognizes the potential of this unique therapy to benefit a significantly expanded number of patients who are not indicated for a pacemaker but who also have uncontrolled hypertension and increased cardiovascular risk. We are committed to working closely with the FDA, Medtronic and the clinical community to maximize the impact of AVIM therapy.” The FDA Breakthrough Devices Program, which reflects the FDA’s commitment to device innovation and protecting public health, is designed to expedite the development and provide priority review of innovative medical technologies that have the potential to significantly improve outcomes for patients with serious or life-threatening conditions. To be eligible for this designation, a device must demonstrate the potential to provide more effective treatment or diagnosis of a life-threatening or irreversibly debilitating condition. In addition, the device must meet at least one of the following criteria: it must represent breakthrough technology, have no approved or cleared alternatives, offer significant advantages over existing options, or be determined by the FDA to be in the best interest of patients. Beyond regulatory acceleration, the Breakthrough designation may also support favorable reimbursement pathways, including eligibility for incremental inpatient reimbursement through the New Technology Add-on Payment (“NTAP”) and outpatient Transitional Pass-Through payments (“TPT”) under the Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services (“CMS”) programs. These mechanisms may help facilitate more timely access to breakthrough technologies while supporting provider adoption and patient access. “We are very pleased that AVIM therapy received Breakthrough Device Designation, a recognition of the potential of AVIM therapy to address unmet needs in hypertension management,” said Robert C. Kowal, M.D., Ph.D., Vice President and General Manager of Cardiac Pacing Therapies within the Medtronic Cardiac Rhythm Management operating unit. “Hypertension remains a significant global public health challenge that is especially relevant to the pacemaker population as the most common comorbidity in these patients. Medtronic is committed to collaborating with Orchestra BioMed to advance this innovative, investigational therapy through the BACKBEAT global pivotal study.” Orchestra BioMed has a strategic collaboration with Medtronic, the global market leader in cardiac pacing therapies, for development and commercialization of AVIM therapy for the treatment of uncontrolled hypertension in pacemaker-indicated patients. Under the terms of the existing collaboration agreement, Medtronic holds the right of first negotiation to expand its licensing agreement with Orchestra BioMed to obtain global rights to commercialize AVIM therapy for the treatment of uncontrolled hypertension in patients that do not have an indication for a pacemaker. About Orchestra BioMed Orchestra BioMed (Nasdaq: OBIO) is a biomedical innovation company accelerating high-impact technologies to patients through risk-reward sharing partnerships with leading medical device companies. Orchestra BioMed’s partnership-enabled business model focuses on forging strategic collaborations with leading medical device companies to drive successful global commercialization of products it develops. Orchestra BioMed’s lead product candidate is atrioventricular interval modulation (AVIM) therapy for the treatment of hypertension, a significant risk factor for death worldwide. Orchestra BioMed is also developing the Virtue® Sirolimus AngioInfusion™ Balloon (SAB) for the treatment of atherosclerotic artery disease, the leading cause of mortality worldwide. Orchestra BioMed has a strategic collaboration with Medtronic, one of the largest medical device companies in the world, for development and commercialization of AVIM therapy for the treatment of hypertension in pacemaker-indicated patients, and a strategic partnership with Terumo, a global leader in medical technology, for development and commercialization of Virtue SAB for the treatment of artery disease. For further information about Orchestra BioMed, please visit www.orchestrabiomed.com, and follow us on LinkedIn. References to Websites and Social Media Platforms References to information included on, or accessible through, websites and social media platforms do not constitute incorporation by reference of the information contained at or available through such websites or social media platforms, and you should not consider such information to be part of this press release. About AVIM Therapy AVIM therapy is an investigational therapy compatible with standard dual-chamber pacemakers designed to substantially and persistently lower blood pressure. It has been evaluated in pilot studies in patients with hypertension who are also indicated for a pacemaker. MODERATO II, a double-blind, randomized pilot study, showed that patients treated with AVIM therapy experienced net reductions of 8.1 mmHg in 24-hour ambulatory systolic blood pressure (aSBP) and 12.3 mmHg in office systolic blood pressure (oSBP) at six months when compared to control patients. In addition to reducing blood pressure, clinical results using AVIM therapy demonstrate improvements in cardiac function and hemodynamics. The BACKBEAT (BradycArdia paCemaKer with atrioventricular interval modulation for Blood prEssure treAtmenT) global pivotal study will further evaluate the safety and efficacy of AVIM therapy in lowering blood pressure in patients who have systolic blood pressure above target despite anti-hypertensive medication and who are indicated for or have recently received a dual-chamber cardiac pacemaker. About the FDA Breakthrough Device Program The FDA Breakthrough Device Program, established in 2015, is designed to expedite the development, review, and potential market access of medical devices that may offer more effective treatment or diagnosis for life-threatening or irreversibly debilitating conditions. The designation provides manufacturers with prioritized FDA review and early, frequent interactions with agency experts to efficiently address development and regulatory considerations. Breakthrough status may also support streamlined reimbursement pathways, including eligibility for New Technology Add-on Payments (NTAP) and Transitional Pass-Through Payments (TPT), by helping to demonstrate substantial clinical improvement. Forward-Looking Statements Certain statements included in this press release that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements for purposes of the safe harbor provisions under the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements generally are accompanied by words such as “believe,” “may,” “will,” “estimate,” “continue,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “expect,” “should,” “would,” “plan,” “predict,” “potential,” “seem,” “seek,” “future,” “outlook” and similar expressions that predict or indicate future events or trends or that are not statements of historical matters. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements relating to the potential efficacy, safety and commercial value of the Company’s commercial product candidates, including the ability of AVIM therapy to favorably influence ventricular function, implementation of the Company’s ongoing BACKBEAT global pivotal study, the potential benefits of BDD, including its ability to expedite FDA reviews and streamline reimbursement pathways, the ability of the Company’s partnerships to accelerate clinical development, the nature and speed of the FDA’s review and regulatory process with respect to AVIM therapy, the ability to secure Medicare incremental payment programs, and the Company’s late-stage development programs and strategic partnerships. These statements are based on various assumptions, whether or not identified in this press release, and on the current expectations of the Company’s management and are not predictions of actual performance. These forward-looking statements are provided for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to serve as and must not be relied on as a guarantee, an assurance, a prediction, or a definitive statement of fact or probability. Actual events and circumstances are difficult or impossible to predict and may differ from assumptions. Many actual events and circumstances are beyond the control of the Company. These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including changes in domestic and foreign business, market, financial, political, and legal conditions; risks related to regulatory approval of the Company’s product candidates and ongoing regulation of the Company’s product candidates, if approved; the timing of, and the Company’s ability to achieve, expected regulatory and business milestones; the impact of competitive products and product candidates; and the risk factors discussed under the heading “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024, which was filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on March 31, 2025, as updated by any risk factors disclosed under the heading “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in Part II of the Company’s subsequently filed quarterly reports on Form 10-Q. The Company operates in a very competitive and rapidly changing environment. New risks emerge from time to time. Given these risks and uncertainties, the Company cautions against placing undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which only speak as of the date of this press release. The Company does not plan and undertakes no obligation to update any of the forward-looking statements made herein, except as required by law. Investor ContactSilas NewcombOrchestra BioMed (908) 723-4489 Snewcomb@orchestrabiomed.com Media ContactKelsey Kirk-EllisOrchestra BioMed(484) 682-4892Kkirkellis@orchestrabiomed.com

Stereotaxis to Report First Quarter 2025 Financial Results on May 12, 2025

ST. LOUIS, April 22, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Stereotaxis (NYSE: STXS), a pioneer and global leader in surgical robotics for minimally invasive endovascular intervention, today announced that it will release financial results for its 2025 first quarter on Monday, May 12, 2025 at the close of the U.S. financial markets. The Company will host a conference call and webcast at 4:30 p.m. EST that day to discuss the Company’s results and corporate developments.

Arch Biopartners Announces Toronto General Hospital Ethics Board Approval to Join the Phase II Trial for LSALT Peptide Targeting Cardiac Surgery Associated-Acute Kidney Injury (CS-AKI)

TORONTO, April 22, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Arch Biopartners Inc., (“Arch” or the “Company”) (TSX Venture: ARCH and OTCQB: ACHFF), announced today that the University Health Network (UHN) Research Ethics Board has granted approval for Toronto General Hospital to participate in the Company’s ongoing Phase II trial evaluating LSALT peptide for the prevention and treatment of cardiac surgery-associated acute kidney injury (CS-AKI).

R3 Vascular Announces First Patient Treated in ELITE-BTK Pivotal Trial for Below-the-Knee PAD Using MAGNITUDE® Drug Eluting Bioresorbable Scaffold

MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif., April 22, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — R3 Vascular Inc., a medical device company dedicated to developing and providing novel, best-in-class bioresorbable scaffolds for treating peripheral arterial disease (PAD), is pleased to announce that the first patient in its ELITE-BTK pivotal trial was treated by Dr. Brian DeRubertis, FACS, Chief of the Division of Vascular & Endovascular Surgery at New York-Presbyterian and Weill Cornell Medicine in New York City. The trial evaluates R3 Vascular’s next generation drug eluting bioresorbable scaffold, MAGNITUDE®, for below-the-knee (BTK) PAD, which according to the American Heart Association affects more than 200 million people globally, and 10 to 12 million in the U.S. older than the age of 40. The most common type of PAD affects the lower-extremity where blood flow is reduced to the legs and feet. Each year, approximately 150,000 leg amputations are performed in the U.S. alone.      

Transverse Medical Inc. Announces Completion of First Series of Patients in Feasibility Clinical Study at Victorian Heart Hospital, Melbourne, Australia, Using Point-Guard Cerebral Embolic Protection.

DENVER–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Transverse Medical Inc. is excited to announce the completion of the first series of patients under its Feasibility Clinical Study at the prestigious Victorian Heart Hospital in Melbourne, Australia. The patients undergoing TAVR procedures (Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement) were treated using the company’s next generation POINT-GUARD™ Cerebral Embolic Protection […]

The Future of AI & Electrophysiology Takes Center Stage at Heart Rhythm 2025 with Vektor Medical

SAN DIEGO–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Vektor Medical, a leader in non-invasive, AI-powered arrhythmia analysis technology, will showcase its transformative vMap technology at Heart Rhythm 2025, taking place April 25–27 in San Diego. Through live demonstrations at adjacent booths (#1523 and #1622), scientific abstract presentations, and a highly anticipated Rhythm Theater session featuring leading […]

Elutia Initiates EluPro™ Registry Study Designed to Generate Evidence Supporting the Use of EluPro in Real-World Clinical Practice

— Integration of clinical and patient-reported outcomes expected to further differentiate EluPro’s utility in cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED) procedures — SILVER SPRING, Md., April 21, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Elutia Inc. (Nasdaq: ELUT) (“Elutia” or the “Company”), a pioneer in drug-eluting biomatrix technologies, today announced the initiation of an EluPro™ clinical study designed to collect patient outcome data in real-world clinical practice. EluPro, the first and only FDA-cleared antibiotic-eluting bioenvelope designed for use with cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs) and neurostimulators, was commercially launched earlier this year. The first patient was enrolled at UC San Diego Health. “Every innovation we pursue is driven by a commitment to improving patient care,” said Kimberly Mulligan, PhD, Vice President and General Manager of Cardiovascular at Elutia. “With EluPro, we combined trusted antibiotics with a soft, regenerative biomatrix to protect the implant, facilitate implantation, and support healing. This study will allow us to collect data on these differentiating characteristics in real-world practice.” The multi-center clinical study is a prospective, post-market study designed to evaluate the use of EluPro in standard clinical practice and its performance across a diverse population of patients undergoing CIED implantation. Data on clinical and patient-reported outcomes will be collected, which will include assessments of key complications of interest following CIED implantation – such as infection, hematoma, lead dislodgement, device migration or erosion, and implant site complications. The study plans to enroll 100 patients, who will be followed for 12 months after device implantation. Each year, more than 600,000 CIEDs are implanted in the U.S., with overall complication rates up to 5-7%, including infections linked to higher morbidity and mortality. EluPro is cleared for use across all major CIED brands including pacemakers and implantable defibrillators, as well as for a wide range of neurostimulation devices. Unlike synthetic alternatives, EluPro addresses this critical need by combining the antibiotics rifampin and minocycline with a soft, regenerative biomatrix that promotes healing and helps reduce other complications, such as migration and erosion. The CIED protection market is valued at $600 million in the U.S. To learn more, visit www.elutia.com/products/elupro/. About Elutia Elutia develops and commercializes drug-eluting biomatrix products to improve compatibility between medical devices and the patients who need them. With a growing population in need of implantable technologies, Elutia’s mission is humanizing medicine so patients can thrive without compromise. For more information, visit www.Elutia.com. Forward Looking Statements This press release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Forward-looking statements can be identified by words such as “projects,” “may,” “will,” “could,” “would,” “should,” “believes,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “estimates,” “intends,” “plans,” “potential,” “promise” or similar references to future periods. All statements contained in this press release that do not relate to matters of historical fact should be considered forward-looking statements, including any statements and information concerning the EluPro Registry Study, including the timing and anticipated data, and the value of the CIED protection market. These forward-looking statements are based on our management’s beliefs and assumptions and on information currently available to us. Such beliefs and assumptions may or may not prove to be correct. Additionally, such forward-looking statements are subject to a number of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other important factors that may cause our actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to the following: our ability to successfully commercialize, market and sell our newly approved EluPro product; our ability to continue as a going concern; our ability to achieve or sustain profitability; the risk of product liability claims and our ability to obtain or maintain adequate product liability insurance; our ability to defend against the various lawsuits and claims related to our recalled FiberCel and other viable bone matrix products and avoid a material adverse financial consequence from those lawsuits and claims; the continued and future acceptance of our products by the medical community; our ability to enhance our products, expand our product indications and develop, acquire and commercialize additional product offerings; our dependence on our commercial partners and independent sales agents to generate a substantial portion of our net sales; our dependence on a limited number of third-party suppliers and manufacturers, which, in certain cases are exclusive suppliers for products essential to our business; our ability to successfully realize the anticipated benefits of the November 2023 sale of our Orthobiologics business; physician awareness of the distinctive characteristics, benefits, safety, clinical efficacy and cost-effectiveness of our products; our ability to compete against other companies, most of which have longer operating histories, more established products and/or greater resources than we do; pricing pressure as a result of cost-containment efforts of our customers, purchasing groups, third-party payors and governmental organizations could adversely affect our sales and profitability; our ability to obtain regulatory approval or other marketing authorizations by the FDA and comparable foreign authorities for our products and product candidates; and our ability to obtain, maintain and adequately protect our intellectual property rights; and other important factors which can be found in the “Risk Factors” section of Elutia’s public filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), including Elutia’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024, as such factors may be updated from time to time in Elutia’s other filings with the SEC, accessible on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov and the Investor Relations page of Elutia’s website at https://investors.elutia.com. Because forward-looking statements are inherently subject to risks and uncertainties, you should not rely on these forward-looking statements as predictions of future events. Any forward-looking statement made by Elutia in this press release is based only on information currently available and speaks only as of the date on which it is made. Except as required by applicable law, Elutia expressly disclaims any obligations to publicly update any forward-looking statements, whether written or oral, that may be made from time to time, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise. Investors:Matt SteinbergFINN Partnersmatt.steinberg@finnpartners.com This press release was published by a CLEAR® Verified individual.