The approval is based on positive results from the Phase 3 ATTRibute-CM study, in which acoramidis demonstrated the most rapid benefit seen in any Phase 3 study of ATTR-CM to date In as few as 3 months, the time to first event (all-cause mortality (ACM) or cardiovascular-related hospitalization (CVH)) durably separated relative to placeboA 42% reduction in composite ACM and recurrent CVH events relative to placebo at Month 30A 50% reduction in the cumulative frequency of CVH events relative to placebo at Month 30 Acoramidis is the first and only approved ATTR-CM treatment in the U.S. and EU with a label specifying near-complete stabilization(≥90%)Relative increases in serum TTR concentrations resulting from greater TTR stability have been associated with reduced risk of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in the general population in recent literature1BridgeBio will receive a $75 million milestone payment from Bayer and will also receive royalties in a tiered structure beginning in the low-thirties percent on sales of BEYONTTRA in the EU PALO ALTO, Calif., Feb. 11, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — BridgeBio Pharma, Inc. (Nasdaq: BBIO) (“BridgeBio” or the “Company”), a new type of biopharmaceutical company focused on genetic diseases, today announced the European Commission has granted marketing authorization in the European Union (EU) for acoramidis, under the brand name BEYONTTRA™, for the treatment of wild-type or variant transthyretin amyloidosis in adult patients with cardiomyopathy (ATTR-CM). Acoramidis is a selective small molecule, orally administered near-complete (≥90%) transthyretin (TTR) stabilizer. ATTR-CM is a progressive fatal disease that presents as an infiltrative, restrictive cardiomyopathy resulting in heart failure. Bayer will be responsible for all commercial activity for acoramidis in the EU. “ATTR-CM is a rapidly progressing disease with a poor prognosis when left untreated, making the approval of acoramidis, which has demonstrated improved benefit on all-cause mortality and cardiovascular-related hospitalizations in as few as three months, a very important accomplishment for patients. We are pleased that people living with ATTR-CM will have access to another treatment option in the EU,” said Marianna Fontana, M.D., Ph.D., Professor of Cardiology and Honorary Consultant Cardiologist at the National Amyloidosis Centre, Division of Medicine, University College London. The approval in the EU is based on results of the pivotal ATTRibute-CM Phase 3 study of acoramidis, which showed clear benefits on cardiovascular outcomes. ATTRibute-CM evaluated the efficacy and safety of acoramidis in 632 participants with symptomatic ATTR-CM, associated with either wild-type or variant TTR who were randomized 2:1 to receive acoramidis or placebo for 30 months. The study met its primary clinical endpoints at month 30 by significantly reducing cardiovascular-related hospitalization, improving survival, and preserving functional capacity and quality of life for patients in need. “The EU approval of acoramidis is a significant advancement for patients living with ATTR-CM in need of new disease-modifying treatments for their condition,” said Dr Jonathan Fox, BridgeBio Cardiorenal Chief Medical Officer. “This approval would not have been possible without the commitment of the clinical trial participants and their families, and the dedicated support of the physicians and scientists involved in the clinical program. Alongside our able partners at Bayer we look forward to this new opportunity to serve ATTR-CM patients across the European Union.” Following EU approval, Bayer will launch acoramidis in the first half of 2025. Acoramidis was approved as Attruby™ by the U.S. FDA in November 2024 with a label specifying near-complete stabilization of TTR. As reported on January 13, BridgeBio has seen strong commercial momentum, with 430 patient prescriptions written by 248 physicians since the U.S. approval. In March 2024, BridgeBio and Bayer initiated a collaboration for acoramidis, which granted Bayer exclusive commercialization rights in the EU. Based on terms of the licensing agreement, BridgeBio will receive a $75 million milestone payment upon European Commission approval. BridgeBio will also receive royalties in a tiered structure beginning in the low-thirties percent on sales of acoramidis in the EU following initiation of commercialization efforts. Acoramidis is currently under review for approval by the Japanese Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency and the Brazilian Health Regulatory Agency . 1Christoffersen M et al. Transthyretin Tetramer Destabilization and Increased Mortality in the General Population. JAMA Cardiol. 2024 Dec 4:e244102. About BEYONTTRABEYONTTRA is an orally administered near-complete (≥90%) stabilizer of transthyretin (TTR) indicated for the treatment of wild-type or variant transthyretin amyloidosis in adult patients with cardiomyopathy (ATTR-CM). BEYONTTRA was generally well-tolerated. The most common side effects were mild and included diarrhea and abdominal pain that were resolved without drug discontinuation. For full prescribing information, please refer to the Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) which will be available on the European Medicines Agency (EMA) website once published. About BridgeBio Pharma, Inc.BridgeBio Pharma, Inc. (BridgeBio) is a new type of biopharmaceutical company founded to discover, create, test, and deliver transformative medicines to treat patients who suffer from genetic diseases. BridgeBio’s pipeline of development programs ranges from early science to advanced clinical trials. BridgeBio was founded in 2015 and its team of experienced drug discoverers, developers and innovators are committed to applying advances in genetic medicine to help patients as quickly as possible. For more information visit bridgebio.com and follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook. BridgeBio Pharma, Inc. Forward-Looking StatementsThis press release contains forward-looking statements. Statements in this press release may include statements that are not historical facts and are considered forward-looking within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the Securities Act), and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange Act), which are usually identified by the use of words such as “anticipates,” “believes,” “continues,” “estimates,” “expects,” “hopes,” “intends,” “may,” “plans,” “projects,” “remains,” “seeks,” “should,” “will,” and variations of such words or similar expressions. BridgeBio intends these forward-looking statements to be covered by the safe harbor provisions for forward-looking statements contained in Section 27A of the Securities Act and Section 21E of the Exchange Act. These forward-looking statements, including statements relating to the impact of BEYONTTRA on clinical outcomes; the potential benefits of BEYONTTRA, including its efficacy and potential to reduce cardiovascular-related hospitalizations, improve survival, and preserve functional capacity and quality of life for patients; and the potential outcomes and expected timing of regulatory reviews and approvals in Japan and Brazil, reflect BridgeBio’s current views about its plans, intentions, expectations, and strategies, which are based on the information currently available to BridgeBio and on assumptions BridgeBio has made. Although BridgeBio believes that its plans, intentions, expectations, and strategies, as reflected in or suggested by these forward-looking statements, are reasonable, BridgeBio can give no assurance that the plans, intentions, expectations, or strategies will be attained or achieved. Furthermore, actual results may differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements and will be affected by a number of risks, uncertainties, and assumptions, including, but not limited to, the risks associated with BridgeBio’s dependence on third parties for development, manufacture, and commercialization activities related to BEYONTTRA; government and third-party payor actions; risks and uncertainties relating to competitive products and other changes that may limit demand for BEYONTTRA; the risk that regulatory authorities may require additional studies or data to support the continued commercialization of BEYONTTRA; the risk that drug-related adverse events may be observed during commercialization or clinical development; the risk that data and results may not meet regulatory requirements or otherwise be sufficient for further development, regulatory review, or approval; the risk of other regulatory agencies not agreeing with BridgeBio’s regulatory approval strategies, components of BridgeBio’s filings (such as clinical trial designs, conduct, and methodologies), or the sufficiency of data submitted; the continuing success of its collaborations, including compliance with applicable regulations for the purchase, distribution, storage, export, and sale of active pharmaceutical ingredients and medicinal products; uncertainty regarding any impacts due to global health emergencies, including delays in regulatory review, manufacturing, and supply chain interruptions; adverse effects on healthcare systems and disruption of the global economy; the impacts of current macroeconomic and geopolitical events, including changing conditions from hostilities in Ukraine and in Israel and the Gaza Strip; and increasing rates of inflation and changing interest rates on BridgeBio’s business operations and expectations. These risks, as well as those set forth in the Risk Factors section of BridgeBio’s most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, and its other filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, should be carefully considered. Moreover, BridgeBio operates in a highly competitive and rapidly changing environment, in which new risks emerge from time to time. These forward-looking statements are based upon the current expectations and beliefs of BridgeBio’s management as of the date of this press release and are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements. Except as required by applicable law, BridgeBio assumes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. BridgeBio Media Contact:Bubba Murarka, EVP Communicationscontact@bridgebio.com (650)-789-8220
Author: Ken Dropiewski
Milestone Pharmaceuticals to Host Commercial Launch Plan Investor Event in New York on February 25, 2025
MONTREAL and CHARLOTTE, N.C., Feb. 11, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Milestone® Pharmaceuticals Inc. (Nasdaq: MIST), a biopharmaceutical company focused on the development and commercialization of innovative cardiovascular medicines, today announced further details on its in-person and virtual Commercial Launch Plan investor event to take place in New York on Tuesday, February 25, 2025 from 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM ET. Investors planning to attend the in-person event are required to register in advance. To register, click here. Featuring presentations by Joseph Oliveto, President and Chief Executive Officer, and Lorenz Muller, Chief Commercial Officer, the event will provide an overview of Milestone’s commercial strategy for etripamil nasal spray (proposed trade name CARDAMYST™), its lead investigational product for the management of paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (PSVT). Milestone’s New Drug Application (NDA) for CARDAMYST is currently under review at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) with a Prescription Drug User Fee Act (PDUFA) target date of March 27, 2025. Milestone currently expects to launch in PSVT mid-2025. A live question and answer session will follow the formal presentation. About Etripamil Etripamil is Milestone’s lead investigational product. It is a novel calcium channel blocker nasal spray under clinical development for frequent and often highly symptomatic episodes of PSVT and atrial fibrillation with rapid ventricular rate (AFib-RVR). It is designed as a self-administered rapid response therapy for patients thereby bypassing the need for immediate medical oversight. If approved, etripamil is intended to provide health care providers with a new treatment option to enable on-demand care and patient self-management. This portable, self-administered treatment may provide patients with active management and a greater sense of control over their condition. CARDAMYST™, the conditionally approved brand name for etripamil nasal spray, is well studied with a robust clinical trial program that includes a completed Phase 3 clinical-stage program for the treatment of PSVT and Phase 2 trial for the treatment of patients with AFib-RVR. About Milestone Pharmaceuticals Milestone Pharmaceuticals Inc. (Nasdaq: MIST) is a biopharmaceutical company developing and commercializing innovative cardiovascular solutions to improve the lives of people living with complex and life-altering heart conditions. The Company’s focus on understanding unmet patient needs and improving the patient experience has led us to develop new treatment approaches that provide patients with an active role in self-managing their care. Milestone’s lead investigational product is etripamil, a novel calcium channel blocker nasal spray that is being studied for patients to self-administer without medical supervision to treat symptomatic episodic attacks associated with PSVT and AFib-RVR. Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as “believe,” “continue,” “could,” “demonstrate,” “designed,” “develop,” “estimate,” “expect,” “may,” “pending,” “plan,” “potential,” “progress,” “will”, “intend” and similar expressions (as well as other words or expressions referencing future events, conditions, or circumstances) are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based on Milestone’s expectations and assumptions as of the date of this press release. Each of these forward-looking statements involves risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from these forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements contained in this press release include statements regarding the timing and outcomes of future interactions with the FDA, including the PDUFA target date; the timing of our potential commercial launch of CARDAMYST; and the ability of etripamil for PSVT to provide patients with active management and a greater sense of control over their condition. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, whether our future interactions with the FDA will have satisfactory outcomes; whether and when, if at all, our NDA for etripamil will be approved by the FDA; uncertainties related to the timing of initiation, enrollment, completion, evaluation and results of our clinical trials; risks and uncertainty related to the complexity inherent in cleaning, verifying and analyzing trial data; and whether the clinical trials will validate the safety and efficacy of etripamil for PSVT or other indications, among others, general economic, political, and market conditions, including deteriorating market conditions due to investor concerns regarding inflation, Russian hostilities in Ukraine and ongoing disputes in Israel and Gaza and overall fluctuations in the financial markets in the United States and abroad, risks related to pandemics and public health emergencies, and risks related the sufficiency of Milestone’s capital resources and its ability to raise additional capital in the current economic climate. These and other risks are set forth in Milestone’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including in its annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, under the caption “Risk Factors,” as such discussion may be updated from time to time by subsequent filings Milestone may make with the U.S. Securities & Exchange Commission. Except as required by law, Milestone assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect any change in expectations, even as new information becomes available. Contact: Kim Fox, Vice President, Communications, kfox@milestonepharma.com Investor Relations Chris Calabrese, ccalabrese@lifesciadvisors.com Kevin Gardner, kgardner@lifesciadvisors.com
Novartis bolsters late-stage cardiovascular pipeline with agreement to acquire Anthos Therapeutics for USD 925 million upfront
Anthos Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing abelacimab, a potential first-in-class monoclonal antibody targeting the FXI inhibition pathwayAbelacimab is currently in Phase 3 development, with the lead indication for prevention of stroke and systemic embolism in patients with atrial fibrillationAcquisition adds a late-stage asset and is aligned with Novartis strategic focus, strength and expertise in the cardiovascular therapeutic areaTransaction expected to close in the first half of 2025, subject to customary closing conditions Basel, February 11, 2025 – Novartis today announced that it has entered into an agreement to acquire Anthos Therapeutics, Inc., a Boston-based, privately held, clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company with abelacimab, a late-stage medicine in development for the prevention of stroke and systemic embolism in patients with atrial fibrillation. The transaction, which is subject to customary closing conditions, is fully in line with Novartis’ growth strategy and therapeutic area focus, leveraging the company’s strength and expertise in the cardiovascular area. Anthos Therapeutics, launched by Blackstone Life Sciences and Novartis in 2019, has advanced abelacimab through clinical development under a license from Novartis. Abelacimab is a novel, highly selective, fully human monoclonal antibody designed to induce effective hemostasis-sparing anticoagulation through Factor XI inhibition. Phase 2 data showed a significant reduction in bleeding events in patients taking abelacimab versus a standard of care direct-oral anticoagulant in patients with atrial fibrillation (AZALEA1,2). Three Phase 3 clinical trials are ongoing for patients at risk of arterial and venous clots, one in patients with atrial fibrillation (LILAC-TIMI 763) and two in cancer associated thrombosis (ASTER4) and (MAGNOLIA5). “We are excited to join forces to advance the development of abelacimab, a potential first-in-class treatment and safer approach for stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation as well as cancer-associated thrombosis,” said Shreeram Aradhye, M.D., President, Development and Chief Medical Officer, Novartis. “Welcoming Anthos Therapeutics strengthens our focus in the cardiovascular space and complements our portfolio of life-changing treatments, comprehensive clinical programs, and strategic collaborations that help thousands of patients with heart disease around the world.” In July 2022 abelacimab received a Fast Track Designation from the FDA for the treatment of thrombosis associated with cancer. In September 2022 abelacimab was also granted a Fast Track Designation for the prevention of stroke and systemic embolism in patients with atrial fibrillation. “Abelacimab is a potential first-in-class medicine, which promises to be an effective and safer approach to preventing thrombosis and stroke than the current standards of care.” said David Soergel, M.D., Global Head, Cardiovascular, Renal and Metabolism Development Unit, Novartis. “We are proud that this medicine originated at Novartis and have been impressed with the Anthos Therapeutics team’s expertise and dedication and with the great progress they have made on the program. Now is the right time to bring abelacimab back into the Novartis CRM pipeline.” Transaction DetailsUnder the terms of the agreement, Novartis will make an upfront payment of USD 925 million upon closing of the transaction, subject to certain customary adjustments, and potential additional payments of up to USD 2.15 billion upon achievement of specified regulatory and sales milestones. The transaction is expected to close in the first half of 2025, subject to satisfaction of customary closing conditions. About AbelacimabAbelacimab is a novel, investigational, highly selective, fully human monoclonal antibody that binds tightly to Factor XI to block its activation and prevent the generation of the activated form (Factor XIa). This mimics natural Factor XI deficiency, which is associated with protection from thromboembolic disease. DisclaimerThis press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements can generally be identified by words such as “potential,” “can,” “will,” “plan,” “may,” “could,” “would,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “look forward,” “believe,” “committed,” “investigational,” “pipeline,” “launch,” or similar terms, or by express or implied discussions regarding potential marketing approvals, new indications or labeling for abelacimab, the acquisition of Anthos Therapeutics, Inc., or regarding potential future revenues from abelacimab. You should not place undue reliance on these statements. Such forward-looking statements are based on our current beliefs and expectations regarding future events, and are subject to significant known and unknown risks and uncertainties. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements. There can be no guarantee that abelacimab will be submitted or approved for sale or for any additional indications or labeling in any market, or at any particular time. Neither can there be any guarantee that the expected benefits or synergies from this transaction will be achieved in the expected timeframe, or at all, nor can there be any guarantee that abelacimab will be commercially successful in the future. In particular, our expectations regarding abelacimab or the transaction described in this press release could be affected by, among other things, the satisfaction of customary closing conditions including regulatory approvals, the uncertainties inherent in research and development, including clinical trial results and additional analysis of existing clinical data; regulatory actions or delays or government regulation generally; global trends toward health care cost containment, including government, payor and general public pricing and reimbursement pressures and requirements for increased pricing transparency; our ability to obtain or maintain proprietary intellectual property protection; the particular prescribing preferences of physicians and patients; general political, economic and business conditions, including the effects of and efforts to mitigate pandemic diseases; safety, quality, data integrity or manufacturing issues; potential or actual data security and data privacy breaches, or disruptions of our information technology systems, and other risks and factors referred to in Novartis AG’s current Form 20-F on file with the US Securities and Exchange Commission. Novartis is providing the information in this press release as of this date and does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained in this press release as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. About Novartis Novartis is an innovative medicines company. Every day, we work to reimagine medicine to improve and extend people’s lives so that patients, healthcare professionals and societies are empowered in the face of serious disease. Our medicines reach more than 250 million people worldwide. Reimagine medicine with us: Visit us at https://www.novartis.com and connect with us on LinkedIn, Facebook, X/Twitter and Instagram. References1. Samer Al Said, et al. Bleeding with the FXI Inhibitor Abelacimab compared with Rivaroxaban in Patients on Antiplatelet therapy: A Prespecified Analysis of the AZALEA-TIMI 71 Trial. Available from: https://timi.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Samer-Al-Said-Bleeding-with-the-FXI-Inhibitor-Abelacimab-compared-with-Rivaroxaban-in-Patients-on-Antiplatelet-therapy-A-Prespecified-Analysis-of-the-AZALEA-TIMI-71-Trial-.pdf. Accessed February 2024. 2. Ruff C, Patel S, et al. Abelacimab versus Rivaroxaban in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation. N Engl J Med. 2025; 392 (4):361-371.doi:10.1056/NEJMoa2406674 3. ClinicalTrials.gov. NCT05712200. Study to evaLuate the effIcacy and Safety of abeLacimab in High-risk Patients With Atrial Fibrillation Who Have Been Deemed Unsuitable for Oral antiCoagulation (LILAC-TIMI 76) (LILAC-TIMI 76). Available from: https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05712200?term=NCT05712200&rank=1. Accessed February 2024.4. ClinicalTrials.gov. NCT05171049. A Study Comparing Abelacimab to Apixaban in the Treatment of Cancer-associated VTE. Available from: https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05171049. Accessed February 2024.5. ClinicalTrials.gov. NCT05171075. A Study Comparing Abelacimab to Dalteparin in the Treatment of Gastrointestinal/ Genitourinary Cancer and Associated VTE (MAGNOLIA). Available from: https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05171075. Accessed February 2024. # # # Novartis Media RelationsE-mail: media.relations@novartis.com Novartis Investor Relations Central investor relations line: +41 61 324 7944 E-mail: investor.relations@novartis.com
Artivion Announces Release Date and Teleconference Call Details for Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2024 Financial Results
ATLANTA, Feb. 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Artivion, Inc. (NYSE: AORT), a leading cardiac and vascular surgery company focused on aortic disease, announced today that fourth quarter and full year 2024 financial results will be released on Monday, February 24, 2025 after the market closes. On…
Virtual Cardiology Program Cuts Cardiac Hospital Readmissions by More Than Half, Study Finds
Heartbeat Health’s virtual cardiology program integrates remote monitoring, personalized care, and advanced technology to improve patient outcomes NEW YORK, Feb. 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — A prospective randomized study published in BMJ Innovations found that Heartbeat Health’s virtual-first cardiology program, when implemented after hospital discharge, significantly reduced cardiovascular readmissions and improved key health outcomes […]
CARMAT Achieves the Milestone of 100 Implants of Its Aeson® Total Artificial Heart
PARIS–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Regulatory News: CARMAT (FR0010907956, ALCAR), designer and developer of the world’s most advanced total artificial heart, aiming to provide a therapeutic alternative for people suffering from advanced biventricular heart failure (the “Company” or “CARMAT”), today announces that it has passed the milestone of 100 implants of its Aeson® artificial […]
$5 Million Gift from Lorraine and Bill Dodero Creates One-of-a-Kind Limb Preservation Center at University Hospitals Harrington Heart & Vascular Institute
$5 Million Gift from Lorraine and Bill Dodero Creates One-of-a-Kind Limb Preservation Center at University Hospitals Harrington Heart & Vascular Institute CLEVELAND – A generous gift of $5 million from Lorraine and Bill Dodero will establish the Lorraine and Bill Dodero Limb Preservation Center at University Hospitals Harrington Heart […]
Florida’s Space Coast Expands Access To Advanced Cardiology Screening with Arrival of SpotLight™ Scanner
Heart Care Centers of Florida is the first practice on the East Coast to install dedicated cardiovascular CT scanner Caesarea, Israel – Feb. 10, 2024 – Arineta, a leader in advancing cardiovascular imaging solutions, shares the installation of its SpotLight™ cardiac CT scanner at Heart Care Centers of Florida (HCCF) […]
Pepin Heart Institute at AdventHealth Tampa expands with fourth electrophysiology lab
TAMPA, Fla., Feb. 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The AdventHealth Pepin Heart Institute has further strengthened its commitment to providing world-class cardiac care by opening its fourth dedicated Electrophysiology (EP) Lab. This state-of-the-art expansion will allow for even more advanced…
Medera’s Novoheart Expands Human Cardiac Research with CTScreen™ Installation at University Medical Center, Utrecht
Cutting-Edge Cardiac Research: Novoheart’s CTScreen™ system has been installed at UMC Utrecht, equipping Regenerative Medicine Center with advanced high-throughput tools to accelerate human cardiac disease modeling and therapeutic screening, including both drug candidates and gene editing approachesDriving Innovation: This installation paves the way for future co-development projects with UMC Utrecht, advancing human-based research and cardiac regenerative technologies BOSTON and UTRECHT, Netherlands, Feb. 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Medera Inc. (“Medera”), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on targeting difficult-to-treat or currently incurable diseases with significant unmet needs, and Novoheart, its wholly owned pre-clinical subsidiary pioneering human-based cardiac tissue engineering for disease modelling and drug screening, are pleased to announce the installation of their state-of-the-art CTScreen™ platform at the University Medical Center Utrecht (UMC Utrecht). This milestone equips the Regenerative Medicine Center Utrecht with a leading-edge system to model human cardiac diseases, develop therapies, and transform preclinical cardiac research. UMC Utrecht researchers will leverage CTScreen™ to study disease-specific mechanisms, screen therapeutic candidates, and optimize drug safety using Novoheart’s human-based assays. The CTScreen™ system supports Novoheart’s renowned “mini-Heart™” platform, enabling automated screening of bioengineered human cardiac tissues that accurately mimic heart function. Using a standard 96-well format, the system can evaluate up to 96 tissue samples at a time, allowing early detection of therapeutic effects and significantly accelerating the development process. This installation builds upon Novoheart’s successful collaborations with global leaders like AstraZeneca and Curi Bio, while advancing the goals of the FDA Modernization Act 2.0 through human-based alternatives to traditional methods. “This technology enables unparalleled precision in understanding cardiac conditions,” said Kevin Costa, Chief Scientific Officer and co-founder of Novoheart. “With UMC Utrecht’s expertise in regenerative medicine, we anticipate breakthroughs that will transform cardiovascular research.” “Our team is excited to bring the CTScreen™ system into our facility,” said Joost Sluijter, Ph.D., Director of the Heart and Lung Division within the Regenerative Medicine Center Utrecht. “This adds much-needed capabilities for measuring human cardiac tissue contractility, advancing our efforts in studying disease mechanisms and accelerating translation to clinical trials for patients with familial cardiomyopathies and other heart diseases that lack effective treatments.” “The installation at UMC Utrecht represents not only an expansion of Novoheart’s reach, but also an exciting step in strengthening our partnership with this world-renowned institution,” concluded Ronald Li, Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer and Founder of Medera. “Together, we are exploring innovative possibilities in cardiac regeneration technologies that have the potential to redefine what’s possible in heart disease treatment. While today’s announcement marks a key milestone, we look forward to sharing more exciting developments soon as our collaboration deepens.” On September 5, 2024, Medera and Keen Vision Acquisition Corporation (“KVAC”) (Nasdaq: KVAC, KVACW), announced they had entered into a definitive merger agreement. About Medera Medera (www.medera.bio) is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on targeting difficult-to-treat or currently incurable diseases with significant unmet needs, utilizing next-generation gene and cell-based approaches in combination with bioengineered human-based technology (including the mini-Heart platform). Medera operates via the two preclinical and clinical business units, Novoheart and Sardocor, respectively. Novoheart capitalizes on the world’s first and award-winning “mini-Heart” Technology for revolutionary disease modelling and drug discovery, uniquely enabling the modelling of human-specific diseases and discovery of therapeutic candidates free from species-specific differences in accordance to the FDA Modernization Act 2.0. Novoheart’s versatile technology platform provides a range of state-of-the-art automation hardware and software as well as screening services, for human-specific disease modelling, therapeutic target discovery and validation, drug toxicity and efficacy screening, and dosage optimization carried out in the context of healthy and/or diseased human heart chambers and tissues. Global pharmaceutical and academic leaders are using Novoheart’s technology platform for their drug discovery and development purposes. The Novoheart platform has facilitated and accelerated the development of Sardocor’s lead therapeutic candidates that are currently in clinical trials. Sardocor is dedicated to the clinical development of novel next-generation therapies for Medera. Leveraging Novoheart’s human-based drug discovery and validation platforms, Sardocor aims to expedite drug development and regulatory timelines for its gene and cell therapy pipeline. Sardocor has received Investigational New Drug (IND) clearances from the FDA for three ongoing AAV-based cardiac gene therapy clinical trials targeting Heart Failure with Reduced Ejection Fraction (HFrEF), Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction (HFpEF) with the Fast Track Designation, and Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy-induced Cardiomyopathy (DMD-CM) with the Orphan Drug Designation. Additionally, Sardocor’s pipeline includes four preclinical gene therapy and three preclinical small molecule candidates targeting various cardiac, pulmonary, and vascular diseases. About Keen Vision Acquisition Corporation Keen Vision Acquisition Corp (“KVAC”), listed on Nasdaq, is a blank check company incorporated for the purpose of effecting a merger, share exchange, asset acquisition, share purchase, reorganization or similar business combination with one or more businesses or entities. KVAC is focused on biotechnology, consumer goods or agriculture opportunities, which are also evaluated on their sustainability, environmental, social, and corporate governance (“ESG”) imperatives. EF Hutton LLC and Brookline Capital Markets, a division of Arcadia Securities, LLC, are serving as Capital Markets Advisors for KVAC. www.kv-ac.com Forward-Looking Statements Certain statements included in this press release are not historical facts but are forward-looking statements for purposes of the safe harbor provisions under the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements other than statements of historical facts contained in this press release are forward-looking statements. Any statements that refer to projections, forecasts or other characterizations of future events or circumstances, including any underlying assumptions, are also forward-looking statements. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by words such as “estimate,” “plan,” “project,” “forecast,” “intend,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “seek,” “strategy,” “future,” “opportunity,” “may,” “target,” “should,” “will,” “would,” “will be,” “will continue,” “will likely result,” “preliminary,” or similar expressions that predict or indicate future events or trends or that are not statements of historical matters, but the absence of these words does not mean that a statement is not forward-looking. Forward-looking statements include, without limitation, KVAC’s, Medera’s, or their respective management teams’ expectations concerning the outlook for their or Medera’s business, productivity, plans, and goals for future operational improvements and capital investments, operational performance, future market conditions, or economic performance and developments in the capital and credit markets and expected future financial performance, including expected net proceeds, expected additional funding, the percentage of redemptions of KVAC’s public shareholders, growth prospects and outlook of Medera’ operations, individually or in the aggregate, including the achievement of project milestones, commencement and completion of commercial operations of certain of Medera’s projects, as well as any information concerning possible or assumed future results of operations of Medera. Forward-looking statements also include statements regarding the expected benefits of the transactions contemplated by the merger (“Transaction”). The forward-looking statements are based on the current expectations of the respective management teams of Medera and KVAC, as applicable, and are inherently subject to uncertainties and changes in circumstance and their potential effects. There can be no assurance that future developments will be those that have been anticipated. These forward-looking statements involve a number of risks, uncertainties or other assumptions that may cause actual results or performance to be materially different from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, (i) the risk that the Transaction may not be completed in a timely manner or at all, which may adversely affect the price of KVAC’s securities; (ii) the risk that the Transaction may not be completed by KVAC’s business combination deadline and the potential failure to obtain an extension of the business combination deadline if sought by KVAC; (iii) the failure to satisfy the conditions to the consummation of the Transaction, including the adoption of the Merger Agreement by the shareholders of KVAC and the receipt of certain regulatory approvals; (iv) market risks; (v) the occurrence of any event, change or other circumstance that could give rise to the termination of the Merger Agreement; (vi) the effect of the announcement or pendency of the Transaction on Medera’s business relationships, performance, and business generally; (vii) the outcome of any legal proceedings that may be instituted against Medera or KVAC related to the Merger Agreement or the Transaction; (viii) failure to realize the anticipated benefits of the Transaction; (ix) the inability to maintain the listing of KVAC’s securities or to meet listing requirements and maintain the listing of Medera’s securities on Nasdaq; (x) the inability to implement business plans, forecasts, and other expectations after the completion of the Transaction, identify and realize additional opportunities, and manage its growth and expanding operations; (xi) risks related to Medera’s ability to develop, license or acquire new therapeutics; (xii) the risk that Medera will need to raise additional capital to execute its business plan, which may not be available on acceptable terms or at all; (xiii) the risk of product liability or regulatory lawsuits or proceedings relating to Medera’s business; (xiv) uncertainties inherent in the execution, cost, and completion of preclinical studies and clinical trials; (xv) risks related to regulatory review, and approval and commercial development; (xvi) risks associated with intellectual property protection; (xvii) Medera’s limited operating history and risk that it may never successfully commercialise its products; (xviii) Medera expects to continue to incur significant losses and may never achieve or maintain profitability; and (xix) the risk that additional financing in connection with the Transaction may not be raised on favorable terms. The foregoing list is not exhaustive, and there may be additional risks that neither KVAC nor Medera presently knows or that KVAC and Medera currently believe are immaterial. You should carefully consider the foregoing factors, any other factors discussed in this press release and the other risks and uncertainties described in the “Risk Factors” section of KVAC’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, which was filed with the SEC on March 29, 2024, the risks to be described in the registration statement, which will include a preliminary proxy statement/prospectus, and those discussed and identified in filings made with the SEC by KVAC from time to time. Medera and KVAC caution you against placing undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which reflect current beliefs and are based on information currently available as of the date a forward-looking statement is made. Forward-looking statements set forth in this press release speak only as of the date of this press release. Neither Medera nor KVAC undertakes any obligation to revise forward-looking statements to reflect future events, changes in circumstances, or changes in beliefs. In the event that any forward-looking statement is updated, no inference should be made that Medera or KVAC will make additional updates with respect to that statement, related matters, or any other forward-looking statements. Any corrections or revisions and other important assumptions and factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from forward-looking statements, including discussions of significant risk factors, may appear, up to the consummation of the Transaction, in KVAC’s public filings with the SEC, and which you are advised to review carefully. Important Information for Investors and Shareholders In connection with the Transaction, KVAC and Medera filed a registration statement with the SEC, which includes a prospectus with respect to the securities to be issued in connection with the Transaction and a proxy statement to be distributed to holders of KVAC’s common shares in connection with KVAC’s solicitation of proxies for the vote by KVAC’s shareholders with respect to the Transaction and other matters to be described in the Registration Statement (the “Proxy Statement”). After the SEC declares the registration statement effective, KVAC plans to mail copies to shareholders of KVAC as of a record date to be established for voting on the Transaction. This press release does not contain all the information that should be considered concerning the Transaction and is not a substitute for the registration statement, Proxy Statement or for any other document that KVAC may file with the SEC. Before making any investment or voting decision, investors and security holders of KVAC are urged to read the registration statement and the Proxy Statement, and any amendments or supplements thereto, as well as all other relevant materials filed or that will be filed with the SEC in connection with the Transaction as they become available because they will contain important information about, Medera, KVAC and the Transaction. Investors and security holders will be able to obtain free copies of the registration statement, the Proxy Statement and all other relevant documents filed or that will be filed with the SEC by KVAC through the website maintained by the SEC at www.sec.gov. In addition, the documents filed by KVAC may be obtained free of charge from KVAC’s website at https://www.kv-ac.com or by directing a request to info@kv-ac.com. The information contained on, or that may be accessed through, the websites referenced in this press release is not incorporated by reference into, and is not a part of, this press release. Participants in the Solicitation KVAC, Medera and their respective directors, executive officers and other members of management and employees may, under the rules of the SEC, be deemed to be participants in the solicitations of proxies in connection with the Transaction. For more information about the names, affiliations and interests of KVAC’s directors and executive officers, please refer to KVAC’s annual report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on March 29, 2024, which can be found at https://www.sec.gov/ix?doc=/Archives/edgar/data/1889983/000121390024027973/ea0201104-10k_keenvision.htm and registration statement, Proxy Statement and other relevant materials filed with the SEC in connection with the Transaction when they become available. Additional information regarding the participants in the proxy solicitation and a description of their direct and indirect interests, which may, in some cases, be different than those of KVAC’s shareholders generally, will be included in the registration statement and the Proxy Statement and other relevant materials when they are filed with the SEC when they become available. Shareholders, potential investors and other interested persons should read the registration statement and the Proxy Statement and other such documents carefully, when they become available, before making any voting or investment decisions. You may obtain free copies of these documents from the sources indicated above. No Offer or Solicitation This communication shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities, nor shall there be any sale of securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation, or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction. No offering of securities in the Transaction shall be made except by means of a prospectus meeting the requirements of Section 10 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. Contacts Investor RelationsStephanie CarringtonICR HealthcareStephanie.Carrington@icrhealthcare.com(646) 277-1282 Media RelationsSean LeousICR HealthcareSean.Leous@icrhealthcare.com(646) 866-4012