Author: Ken Dropiewski

BridgeBio Announces Durable Month 12 and 18 Phase 2 Cohort 5 Results of Oral Infigratinib in Achondroplasia, and First Participant Consented in ACCEL for Hypochondroplasia

Coronary/Structural Heart by Comments are Disabled

– In Cohort 5 of PROPEL 2 (0.25 mg/kg/day), oral treatment with infigratinib resulted in a statistically significant and sustained increase in annualized height velocity (AHV), with a mean change from baseline of +2.51cm/yr at Month 12, and +2.50 cm/yr at Month 18 (p=0.0015) – At Month 18, there was a statistically significant improvement in body proportionality (p-value of 0.001). The mean upper to lower body segment ratio was 1.88 at Month 18, as compared to 2.02 at baseline – Infigratinib continues to be well-tolerated as a single daily oral therapy with no adverse events (AEs) assessed as treatment-related in any participant in Cohort 5 – PROPEL 3, the global Phase 3 registrational study of infigratinib in achondroplasia, continues to enroll on schedule, with completion estimated by end of 2024 – BridgeBio announces first child consented in ACCEL, the observational run-in study for infigratinib in children living with hypochondroplasia, a skeletal dysplasia closely related to achondroplasia and similarly driven by FGFR3 gain-of-function variants PALO ALTO, Calif., June 04, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — BridgeBio Pharma, Inc. (Nasdaq: BBIO) (BridgeBio), a commercial-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on genetic diseases, today announced sustained positive results from PROPEL 2, a Phase 2 trial of the investigational therapy infigratinib in children with achondroplasia, demonstrating continued potential best-in-class efficacy and an encouraging safety profile. Infigratinib is an oral small molecule designed to inhibit FGFR3 signaling and target achondroplasia and hypochondroplasia at their source. BridgeBio will also host an investor call on June 4, 2024, at 8:00 am ET with Ravi Savarirayan, M.D., Ph.D., of Murdoch Children’s Research Institute in Melbourne, Australia, and the global lead investigator for PROPEL 2, to discuss the results from the Phase 2 study. To date, key results from the Cohort 5 dose escalation cohort in PROPEL 2 trial include: Sustained and statistically significant mean increase in AHV of +2.51cm/year from baseline at 12 months, and +2.50 cm/yr at 18 months (p=0.0015)Statistically significant improvement in body proportionality (mean upper to lower body segment ratio), from 2.02 at baseline to 1.88 at Month 18 (mean change from baseline, p=0.001)A continued well-tolerated safety profile, with no treatment-related adverse events assessed as related to infigratinib “These data indicate that treatment with infigratinib is continuing to show increased growth velocity and improvements in body proportionality in children with achondroplasia. This is encouraging and suggests that infigratinib has the potential to enhance functionality for people living with achondroplasia in addition to increasing growth. We hope to see these improvements reflected in the ongoing PROPEL 3 pivotal study that will build toward providing a safe and effective oral therapy to those in the achondroplasia community who are seeking treatment,” said Dr. Savarirayan. PROPEL 3, the global Phase 3 registrational study of infigratinib in achondroplasia, continues to enroll on schedule, with completion of enrollment anticipated by the end of the year. Given the promising results from PROPEL 2, BridgeBio is committed to expanding the FGFR3-related skeletal dysplasias franchise for infigratinib by accelerating development in hypochondroplasia. Positive interactions with both the U.S. FDA and EMA support development in children with hypochondroplasia, with a small open-label Phase 2 portion testing a single dose of 0.25 mg/kg/day, leading into a double-blinded, placebo-controlled Phase 3 study. ACCEL, the observational lead-in program for hypochondroplasia, was initiated with the first participant consented in May 2024. The interventional program, ACCEL 2/3, will be a global Phase 2/3 multicenter, single-dose study, to evaluate the efficacy and safety of 0.25mg/kg/day of infigratinib in children living with hypochondroplasia. The open-label Phase 2 portion in children aged 5 to 11 years old will be followed by a pivotal Phase 3, one-year, 2:1 randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study in children aged 3 to < 18 years old with growth potential. In addition to changes from baseline in AHV measurements, the study will evaluate changes in other indicators of growth, body proportions, medical complications associated with hypochondroplasia, and changes in quality-of-life measures. BridgeBio has previously presented promising preclinical data for hypochondroplasia at ENDO 2023 and ASHG 2022. “We are very excited to see a persistence of response to infigratinib in linear growth. We are especially encouraged by the promising effect on body proportions, which supports infigratinib’s potential to provide benefits that could impact the lives of children with achondroplasia. These results motivate us to continue evaluating infigratinib in other FGFR-related skeletal dysplasias and genetic conditions. The initiation of our observational study in hypochondroplasia and the obtainment of FDA and EMA alignment on the interventional study underlie our excitement for the potential of infigratinib as a treatment option for children with hypochondroplasia,” said Daniela Rogoff, M.D., Ph.D., Chief Medical Officer, Skeletal Dysplasias at BridgeBio. “The journey of living with skeletal dysplasia varies from person to person, but many are impacted by functional limitations, social stigma and medical complications due to their condition and the way their bones develop. We are encouraged to see infigratinib’s potential to improve body proportionality, which could help address functional complications meaningful to people living with skeletal dysplasia. The Chandler Project values the collaborative partnership we’ve developed with BridgeBio and QED, to ensure that the community’s true needs are prioritized throughout the discovery and development process. We are also thrilled for the launch of an observational study in hypochondroplasia, a community that has been eager for further research and development of treatment options,” said Chandler Crews, founder of The Chandler Project, a patient advocacy organization based in Baltimore, MD. Information about PROPEL 3 (NCT06164951) can be found here on clinicaltrials.gov. Information about PROPEL (NCT04035811), BridgeBio’s observational lead-in study in achondroplasia for PROPEL 3 and other studies, can be found here on clinicaltrials.gov. Information about ACCEL (NCT06410976), BridgeBio’s observational lead-in study in hypochondroplasia can be found here on clinicaltrials.gov. BridgeBio is committed to exploring the potential of infigratinib on wider medical and functional impacts of achondroplasia, hypochondroplasia and other skeletal dysplasias, which hold significant unmet needs for families. Webcast InformationBridgeBio will host an investor call and simultaneous webcast to discuss the Phase 2 data at Months 12 and 18 of infigratinib in children with achondroplasia on June 4, 2024 at 8:00 am ET. A link to the webcast may be accessed from the event calendar page of BridgeBio’s website at https://investor.bridgebio.com/. A replay of the conference call and webcast will be archived on the Company’s website and will be available for at least 30 days following the event. About AchondroplasiaAchondroplasia is the most common cause of disproportionate short stature, affecting approximately 55,000 people in the United States (US) and European Union (EU), including up to 10,000 children and adolescents with open growth plates. Achondroplasia impacts overall health and quality of life, leading to medical complications such as obstructive sleep apnea, middle ear dysfunction, kyphosis, and spinal stenosis. The condition is uniformly caused by an activating variant in FGFR3. About HypochondroplasiaHypochondroplasia is also an FGFR3-associated skeletal dysplasia and is a rare condition with similar prevalence in achondroplasia. Hypochondroplasia presents with a wide spectrum of phenotypes including disproportionate short stature, mild joint laxity and macrocephaly. Currently, no treatments for hypochondroplasia are approved in the United States. About BridgeBio Pharma, Inc.BridgeBio Pharma (BridgeBio) is a commercial-stage 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 and Twitter. 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. We intend 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 clinical, therapeutic and market potential of our programs and product candidates, including our clinical development program for infigratinib in achondroplasia, the timing and success of our clinical development programs, the progress of our ongoing and planned clinical trials of infigratinib in achondroplasia and in hypochondroplasia , our planned interactions with regulatory authorities, the availability of data from our clinical trials of infigratinib, and the timing of these events, reflect our current views about our plans, intentions, expectations and strategies, which are based on the information currently available to us and on assumptions we have made. Although we believe that our plans, intentions, expectations and strategies as reflected in or suggested by those forward-looking statements are reasonable, we 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, initial and ongoing data from our clinical trials not being indicative of final data, the design and success of ongoing and planned clinical trials, difficulties with enrollment in our clinical trials, adverse events that may be encountered in our clinical trials, the FDA or other regulatory agencies not agreeing with our regulatory approval strategies, components of our filings, such as clinical trial designs, conduct and methodologies, or the sufficiency of data submitted, potential adverse 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, increasing rates of inflation and rising interest rates, on our business operations and expectations, as well as those risks set forth in the Risk Factors section of our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and our other filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Moreover, we operate in a very 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 our 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, we assume no obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. BridgeBio Contact:Vikram Balicontact@bridgebio.com(650)-789-8220 Medical Information Contact:MedInfo@QEDTx.com1-877-280-5655

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Program Announcement for Annual ASPC Congress on CVD Prevention August 2024

Coronary/Structural Heart by Comments are Disabled

Detailed Program Agendas Released for Pre-conference Course and Scientific Sessions
KINGWOOD, Texas, June 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — The ASPC announces details of a full program of events to be held at their annual Congress on Cardiovascular Disease Prevention, scheduled for August 1-4, 2024, at the Hyatt Regency hotel in Salt Lake City, UT.
A new pre-conference MasterClass focused on lifestyle medicine is being offered Thu., August 1 – Hot Topics in Preventive Cardiology and Lifestyle Medicine:  Implications for Patient Counseling and Management. This program is being Co-Chaired by Barry Franklin, PhD, FASPC and Heather Johnson, MD, MS, FASPC. They shared, “Americans have a shorter life expectancy compared with residents of almost all other high-income countries.  We also have the most expensive healthcare system in the world. It’s simply not sustainable! Accordingly, readily accessible preventive health interventions should be a top priority. This unique and timely Masterclass will address these issues – and more.”
Features of the 2024 Scientific Sessions program include diverse content with many international experts joining the program, honorees in the field of prevention, and a record number of abstracts in the poster hall!
The three ASPC honorees are:

Honorary Fellow Award: Dr. Chris Cannon, Professor of Medicine at Harvard University. His award lecture will focus on “Lipid Lowering 2024 and Beyond”.
Nanette Wenger Award: Dr. Noel Bairey Merz, Director of the Barbra Streisand Women’s Heart Center at Cedars-Sinai Heart Institute. She will present a lecture titled, “Where are We Now? – From WISE to Chest Pain Guidelines and Improving CVD Care for Women.”
Joseph Stokes III, MD Pioneer in Prevention Award:  Dr. Sergio Fazio, VP/Chair, Scientific Council, Global Clinical Development at Regeneron Pharmaceuticals and the first Editor-in-Chief of the American Journal of Preventive Cardiology. Dr. Fazio’s award lecture topic is to be announced.

ASPC is looking forward to honoring these awardees during the opening session of the Congress on Friday, August 2 from 8:00 – 9:30 AM.
Throughout the weekend, the Scientific Sessions will collaborate with societies from around the globe, including:

Society of Cardiovascular Computed Tomography (SCCT)
Korean Society of Lipid and Atherosclerosis (KSoLA)
Korean Society of Cardiovascular Disease Prevention (KSCP)
European Atherosclerosis Society (EAS)

Three rousing debates will be featured during Session 7 on Saturday, August 3, from 9:00-11:00am:

Reducing Residual CVD risk: Adding Colchicine vs. Aggressive Lipid Lowering

Mike Wilkinson, MD vs. Daniel Soffer, MD

CAC/CCTA is the Imaging Modality of Choice in Refining ASCVD Risk in Primary Prevention

Seamus Whelton, MD, MPH vs. Matthew Budoff, MD, FASPC

Lp(a) in Primary Prevention is Actionable Today

Vera Bittner, MD vs. Roger Blumenthal, MD, FASPC

Detailed program agendas for both the Congress on CVD Prevention and the Lifestyle MasterClass are available at www.aspconline.org.  
The ASPC’s mission is to promote the prevention of cardiovascular disease, advocate for the preservation of cardiovascular health, and disseminate high-quality, evidence-based information through the education of healthcare clinicians and their patients.
SOURCE The American Society for Preventive Cardiology

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Shape Memory Medical Announces First Patient Treated in the AAA-SHAPE Randomized Controlled Pivotal Trial

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SAN JOSE, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Shape Memory Medical Inc., developer of custom shape memory polymers for endovascular markets, announced the first patient treated as part of the AAA-SHAPE Pivotal Trial, the Company’s prospective, multicenter, randomized, open-label trial to determine safety and effectiveness of the IMPEDE-FX RapidFill® Device to improve abdominal aortic aneurysm […]

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Microbot Medical Announces $2.35 Million Registered Direct Offering Priced At-The-Market under Nasdaq Rules

Financial by Comments are Disabled

HINGHAM, Mass., June 03, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Microbot Medical Inc. (Nasdaq: MBOT) today announced that it has entered into definitive agreements for the purchase and sale of 1,566,669 shares of the Company’s common stock at a purchase price of $1.50 per share of common stock in a registered direct offering priced at-the-market under Nasdaq rules. In addition, in a concurrent private placement, the Company will issue unregistered series F preferred investment options. The series F preferred investment options to purchase up to 3,133,338 shares of common stock have an exercise price of $1.50 per share and are immediately exercisable following issuance for a period of two years thereafter. The closing of the registered direct offering and the concurrent private placement is expected to occur on or about June 4, 2024, subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions. H.C. Wainwright & Co. is acting as the exclusive placement agent for the offerings. The gross proceeds to the Company from the offerings are expected to be approximately $2.35 million, before deducting the placement agent’s fees and other offering expenses payable by the Company. The Company intends to use the net proceeds from the offerings for the continued development, commercialization and regulatory activities for the Company’s LIBERTY® Robotic System, expansion and development of additional applications derived from the Company’s existing IP portfolio, and for working capital and other general corporate purposes. The shares of common stock described above (but not the series F preferred investment options issued in the concurrent private placement or the shares of common stock underlying such series F preferred investment options) are being offered by the Company pursuant to a “shelf” registration statement on Form S-3 (File No. 333-275634) previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) and declared effective by the SEC on December 4, 2023. The offering of the shares of common stock is made only by means of a prospectus, including a prospectus supplement, forming a part of the effective registration statement. A final prospectus supplement and accompanying prospectus relating to the registered direct offering will be filed with the SEC. Electronic copies of the final prospectus supplement and accompanying prospectus may be obtained, when available, on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov or by contacting H.C. Wainwright & Co., LLC at 430 Park Avenue, 3rd Floor, New York, NY 10022, by phone at (212) 865-5711 or e-mail at placements@hcwco.com. The series F preferred investment options described above are being issued in a concurrent private placement under Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and Regulation D promulgated thereunder and, along with the shares of common stock underlying the series F preferred investment options, have not been registered under the Securities Act, or applicable state securities laws. Accordingly, the series F preferred investment options and underlying shares of common stock may not be offered or sold in the United States except pursuant to an effective registration statement or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act and such applicable state securities laws. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy these securities, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state or other jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to the registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or other jurisdiction. About Microbot Medical Microbot Medical Inc. (NASDAQ: MBOT) is a pre-clinical medical device company that specializes in transformational micro-robotic technologies, with the goals of improving clinical outcomes for patients and increasing accessibility through the natural and artificial lumens within the human body. The investigational LIBERTY® Endovascular Robotic Surgical System aims to improve the way surgical robotics are being used in endovascular procedures today, by eliminating the need for large, cumbersome, and expensive capital equipment, while reducing radiation exposure and physician strain. The Company believes the LIBERTY® Endovascular Robotic Surgical System’s remote operation has the potential to be the first system to democratize endovascular interventional procedures. Further information about Microbot Medical is available at http://www.microbotmedical.com. Safe Harbor Statements to future financial and/or operating results, future growth in research, technology, clinical development, and potential opportunities for Microbot Medical Inc. and its subsidiaries, along with other statements about the future expectations, beliefs, goals, plans, or prospects expressed by management, constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and the Federal securities laws. Any statements that are not historical fact (including, but not limited to statements that contain words such as “will,” “believes,” “plans,” “anticipates,” “expects” and “estimates”) should also be considered to be forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, including, without limitation, the completion of the offerings, the satisfaction of customary closing conditions related to the offerings, the intended use of proceeds from the offerings, market conditions, risks inherent in the development and/or commercialization of the LIBERTY® Endovascular Robotic Surgical System, the outcome of its studies to evaluate LIBERTY® Endovascular Robotic Surgical System, uncertainty in the results of pre-clinical and clinical trials or regulatory pathways and regulatory approvals, including whether the Company’s pivotal study in humans is successful, any failure or inability to recruit physicians and clinicians to serve as primary investigators to conduct regulatory studies which could adversely affect or delay such studies, disruptions resulting from new and ongoing hostilities between Israel and the Palestinians and other neighboring countries, any lingering uncertainty resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, need and ability to obtain future capital, and maintenance of intellectual property rights. Additional information on risks facing Microbot Medical can be found under the heading “Risk Factors” in Microbot Medical’s periodic reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), which are available on the SEC’s web site at www.sec.gov. Microbot Medical disclaims any intent or obligation to update these forward-looking statements, except as required by law. Investor Contact: Michal Efraty +972-(0)52-3044404 IR@microbotmedical.com

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HeartFlow AI Plaque Analysis Achieves Major Milestone Towards Medicare Coverage

Coronary/Structural Heart Financial by Comments are Disabled

MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif., June 03, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — HeartFlow, a leader in cardiovascular healthcare technology, is pleased to announce a key Medicare policy development, which should allow for future expanded patient access to their Plaque Analysis product. Five Medicare Administrative Contractors (MACs), CGS, NGS, Noridian, Palmetto GBA, and WPS, released draft Local Coverage Determinations (LCD) for Artificial Intelligence Enabled CT Based Quantitative Coronary Topography (AI-QCT)/Coronary Plaque Analysis (AI-CPA). These draft LCDs recognize the importance of quantifying coronary artery plaque, which underscores the pivotal role HeartFlow technology plays in diagnosing and managing treatment for patients in need of cardiovascular care. HeartFlow’s accurate and actionable Plaque Analysis aligns with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) commitment to supporting technologies that enhance diagnostic accuracy and patient care: HeartFlow Plaque Analysis is the only FDA cleared plaque analysis with a reported 95% agreement prospectively compared to the gold standard, IVUS.¹Two out of three patients had their medical management changed and more precisely tailored with HeartFlow Plaque Analysis.² Plaque Analysis is a major function of the HeartFlow portfolio, which offers the only comprehensive, AI-driven, precision coronary care solution based on the guideline-directed cardiac CT pathway, backed by robust clinical evidence and guidelines. HeartFlow FFRCT has an established reimbursement pathway which is covered for 99% of people in the US with health insurance. Leveraging our expertise and proven success creating new AI reimbursement categories as done with HeartFlow FFRCT, similar coverage and adoption for Plaque Analysis is anticipated, ensuring it becomes an integral part of coronary care. “We are excited about this milestone, as it highlights the critical importance of accurately quantifying plaque in cardiovascular disease management,” said John Farquhar, chief executive officer at HeartFlow. “This recognition by the MACs in the draft policies is a testament to the clinical value of Plaque Analysis and its potential to revolutionize how cardiovascular disease is diagnosed and treated, for all.” The release of these draft LCDs mark the first step in integrating accurate plaque measurement into standard clinical practice. Next steps toward coverage include a period for input from clinicians and other stakeholders before policy is finalized and released. “We are confident that Plaque Analysis will not only meet but exceed the rigorous standards of Medicare,” added Cara Santillo, Senior Vice President of Market Access and Reimbursement at HeartFlow. “This nod of support from the MACs underscores the importance of access and equity in cardiovascular care by ensuring that all patients, regardless of background, receive the critical insights needed for treatment for cardiovascular disease.” About HeartFlow, Inc.HeartFlow is transforming precision coronary care with the only AI-powered non-invasive integrated heart care solution across the CCTA pathway. As the pioneer of FFRCT, which is now supported by the ACC/AHA Chest Pain Guideline, HeartFlow continues to advance the diagnosis and management of CAD. HeartFlow’s suite of non-invasive technologies includes its FFRCT Analysis, RoadMap™Analysis, and Plaque Analysis. To date, more than 500 peer-reviewed publications have validated our approach and, more importantly, our technologies have helped clinicians diagnose and manage over 250,000 patients. For more information, visit www.heartflow.com. Media Contact Linly Ku Digital Marketing Manager media@heartflow.com Investor Contact Nick Laudico VP of Business Development and Investor Relations nlaudico@heartflow.com 1 Narula et al. Prospective Deep Learning-based Quantitative Assessment of Coronary Plaque by CT Angiography Compared with Intravascular Ultrasound EHJ 2024. ² Rinehart et al. JSCAI 2024. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jscai.2024.101296

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UltraSight collaborates with Mayo Clinic to advance next generation cardiac care with AI

Financial by Comments are Disabled

New collaboration formed to enhance detection and diagnosis of cardiovascular disease
TEL AVIV, Israel , June 3, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — UltraSight, a pioneer in digital health transforming cardiac imaging with artificial intelligence, is collaborating with Mayo Clinic on a new endeavor with the goal of enhancing cardiac care by harnessing the power of AI in point-of-care ultrasound.UltraSight and Mayo Clinic will jointly develop algorithms for analyzing and interpreting cardiac ultrasound images. This collaboration aims to create a new end-to-end solution and decision support to help healthcare providers make more informed diagnoses and treatment decisions using point-of-care ultrasound (PoCUS) devices. By gaining access to Mayo Clinic’s team of researchers, clinicians and data, UltraSight will be best positioned to enhance and scale its introduction of new cardiac solutions to the market.
With cardiovascular disease affecting approximately 130 million people globally, according to the American Heart Association, the demand for timely cardiac diagnosis and access to consistent cardiac care is on the rise.
“According to the American Heart Association, the prevalence of cardiovascular disease is more than 75 percent in individuals over 60,” said Paul Friedman, M.D., Chair of the Department of Cardiovascular Medicine at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. “Early detection may prevent the progression of heart disease or stroke.  The addition of AI to point-of-care ultrasound, widely available and inexpensive, stands to eliminate significant barriers to adoption by guiding users in image acquisition and supporting image interpretation – making the approach highly scalable for early diagnosis and periodic cardiac monitoring.”
“UltraSight Real-time Guidance software harnesses the power of AI to allow more medical practitioners to capture images with confidence,” said Davidi Vortman, CEO of UltraSight. “However, obtaining diagnostic quality cardiac images at the patient point of care is only the first step needed to increase patient access to quality care. We firmly believe that point-of-care ultrasound, when enhanced by the capabilities of AI, holds potential to optimize patient care. Through this collaboration, we plan to enhance our solution to detect and manage cardiac conditions in a more scalable and cost-effective way, ultimately helping more patients receive timely treatment.”
“We know that over the next decade, training programs around the world will not graduate enough specialists and technologists to meet the demands of an aging population,” said John Halamka, M.D., President of Mayo Clinic Platform. The best option in our toolkit is to embrace AI in a way that democratizes access to knowledge. Mayo Clinic and UltraSight will work together to enable a wider spectrum of caregivers to obtain cardiac ultrasound data and understand the results, serving many more patients globally.”
Mayo Clinic is now an investor at UltraSight and has a financial interest in the technology referenced in this press release. Mayo Clinic will use any revenue it receives to support its not-for-profit mission in patient care, education and research.
For more information about UltraSight, visit www.ultrasight.com. For more information about Mayo Clinic, visit www.mayoclinic.org
About UltraSightUltraSight’s mission is to make diagnostic imaging more accessible by empowering medical professionals to successfully acquire timely and accurate cardiac ultrasound images anywhere. UltraSight’s AI-driven software offers real-time guidance, making cardiac ultrasound accessible and efficient, which may lead to quicker diagnoses and improved patient care. The company was awarded a patent for its real-time guidance solution for ultrasound devices. UltraSight’s software has FDA 510(k) Clearance, is UKCA and CE Marked, and has Israeli AMAR Clearance to assist medical professionals in performing cardiac ultrasound scans. For more news and information, visit our website or follow UltraSight on LinkedIn and Twitter
SOURCE UltraSight

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Cadrenal Therapeutics Highlights Presentation of New Trial Data at ISHLT Conference Demonstrating the Importance of Anticoagulation Quality in LVAD Patients

Coronary/Structural Heart by Comments are Disabled

Tecarfarin, which recently received Orphan Drug Designation from the FDA for the prevention of thromboembolism and thrombosis in patients with an implanted mechanical circulatory support device, has the potential to improve the time in therapeutic range a factor correlated in the ARIES-HM3 trial with better patient outcomes
PONTE VEDRA, Fla., June 3, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Cadrenal Therapeutics, Inc., (Nasdaq: CVKD), a biopharmaceutical company developing tecarfarin, a late-stage novel oral and reversible anticoagulant (blood thinner) designed to prevent heart attacks, strokes, and deaths due to blood clots in patients with rare cardiovascular conditions, today highlighted a groundbreaking presentation at the International Society for Heart & Lung Transplantation (ISHLT) 44th Annual Meeting & Scientific Sessions.
These new findings from secondary analyses of the ARIES-HM3 trial were released in a presentation titled, “Impact of Vitamin K Antagonist (VKA) Therapy On Outcomes In a Randomized Controlled Trial of Aspirin Removal In Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD) Patients – A Pre-Specified Analysis From the Aspirin and Hemocompatibility Events With a Left Ventricular Assist Device in Advanced Heart Failure, or the ARIES-HM3, Randomized Clinical Trial.”
The ARIES-HM3 trial data demonstrated that lower time in therapeutic range, or TTR, translated directly to excessive bleeding events. The “average” patient in the ARIES-HM3 study had a 30% rate of serious bleeding events even after aspirin was eliminated as part of the antithrombotic regimen, and persistent bleeding was inversely correlated with TTR.
The ARIES-HM3 clinical study was sponsored by Abbott (NYSE: ABT), which evaluated a new clinical approach to patient management that included removal of aspirin as part of the antithrombotic regimen warfarin. The data is currently under review by the FDA. Labeling changes related to the antithrombotic regimen have not been approved by the FDA at this time.
Dr. Mandeep Mehra, who chaired the ARIES-HM3 study, holds the William Harvey Distinguished Chair in Advanced Cardiovascular Medicine and is Executive Director of the Center for Advanced Heart Disease at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, commented, “This comprehensive analysis identifies adequacy of VKA use (as measured by TTR) as a significant risk marker for bleeding events and provides new clinical direction for further mitigation of bleeding to enhance hemocompatibility with the HeartMate 3 LVAD.” Mehra continued, “Each incremental improvement of 10% above the median of 56% TTR trends in a significant further reduction in bleeding rate. Tecarfarin could potentially be an important therapy for patients with LVADs who all require chronic anti-coagulation since it does not get affected by drug-drug interactions or changes in kidney function like warfarin and deserves further study.”
“The ARIES-HM3 trial data underscores the deficiencies of warfarin and the need for a new VKA therapy for patients with LVADs. We believe our drug candidate, the next-generation VKA tecarfarin, with its unique retrometabolic design that provides for more stable anticoagulation than warfarin, is the much-needed replacement therapy. We intend to pursue a pivotal trial evaluating tecarfarin effectiveness for LVAD patients,” said Quang Pham, Founder, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Cadrenal Therapeutics. “Cadrenal commends Abbott’s commitment to LVAD patients in sponsoring this important trial and analyses.”
On April 9, 2024, Cardenal Therapeutics announced that the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) had granted tecarfarin Orphan Drug Designation for the prevention of thromboembolism and thrombosis in patients with an implanted mechanical circulatory support device, which includes the left ventricular assist device (LVAD).
The current market-leading direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs), such as Eliquis, are not indicated for patients with LVADs due to a lack of evidence of benefit, while the level of anticoagulation achieved with warfarin was achieved in the target range only 56% of the time in the ARIES-HM3 trial. Patients whose level of anticoagulation was in the therapeutic range > 56% had better outcomes than those with lower levels. This highlights the potential role for investigating new VKA agents in improving clinical outcomes in LVAD patients.
VKA anticoagulation is prescribed for the prevention of LVAD-related clotting. However, the only available VKA is warfarin, which was approved for human use in 1954. Tecarfarin has been shown to improve TTR, particularly in patients taking multiple medications, and be more stable in patients with renal dysfunction which is common in LVAD patients.
ABOUT CADRENAL THERAPEUTICS, INC.Cadrenal Therapeutics is developing tecarfarin for unmet needs in anticoagulation therapy. Tecarfarin is a late-stage novel oral and reversible anticoagulant (blood thinner) to prevent heart attacks, strokes, and deaths due to blood clots in patients with rare cardiovascular conditions. Tecarfarin has orphan drug and fast-track designations from the FDA for the prevention of systemic thromboembolism (blood clots) of cardiac origin in patients with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) and atrial fibrillation (AFib) and just received orphan drug designation for the prevention of thrombosis and thromboembolism in patients with ventricular assist devices (VADs). Cadrenal is also pursuing additional regulatory strategies for unmet needs in anticoagulation therapy for patients with thrombotic antiphospholipid syndrome (APS). Tecarfarin is a next-generation Vitamin K Antagonist (VKA) specifically designed to use a different metabolism pathway than the oldest and most commonly prescribed VKA warfarin. Tecarfarin has been evaluated in eleven (11) human clinical trials and more than 1,000 individuals. In Phase 1, Phase 2, and Phase 2/3 clinical trials, tecarfarin has generally been well-tolerated in both healthy adult subjects and patients with chronic kidney disease. For more information, please visit: www.cadrenal.com.  
Safe Harbor StatementAny statements contained in this press release about future expectations, plans, and prospects, as well as any other statements regarding matters that are not historical facts, may constitute “forward-looking statements.” These statements include statements regarding tecarfarin having the potential to improve the time in therapeutic range which analysis of the ARIES-HM3 trial reveals is associated with better patient outcomes. TTRs as predicting increased risk for bleeding events, the VKA tecarfarin, filling the market void for a next-generation VKA, the Company pursuing a pivotal trial evaluating tecarfarin effectiveness for LVAD patients. The words “anticipate,” “believe,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “plan,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “should,” “target,” “will,” “would” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. Actual results may differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements as a result of various important factors, including the ability of tecarfarin to improve the time in therapeutic range, the ability of the Company  to advance tecarfarin with patients with left ventricular assist devices (LVADs), thrombotic APS, and those with AFib and ESKD and the other risk factors described in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, and the Company’s subsequent filings with the SEC, including subsequent periodic reports on Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K. Any forward-looking statements contained in this press release speak only as of the date hereof and, except as required by federal securities laws, the Company specifically disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.
For more information, please contact:
Cadrenal Therapeutics:Matthew Szot, CFO858-337-0766[email protected] 
Investors:Lytham Partners, LLCRobert Blum, Managing Partner602-889-9700[email protected] 
SOURCE Cadrenal Therapeutics, Inc.

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Microbot Medical Has Received FDA Approval to Proceed with its Pivotal Human Clinical Trial

Peripheral/Endo Regulatory by Comments are Disabled

BRAINTREE, Mass., June 03, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Microbot Medical Inc. (Nasdaq: MBOT), developer of the innovative LIBERTY® Endovascular Robotic Surgical System, today announces that it has received the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (“FDA”) approval to proceed with its pivotal human clinical trial as part of its Investigational Device Exemption (“IDE”) application for its LIBERTY® Endovascular Robotic Surgical System. The study will be conducted in the U.S., and the Company has already signed a clinical trial service agreement with a leading academic medical center. The Company is also in the process of engaging additional leading centers to participate in the trial. In parallel to commencing the pivotal human clinical trial, the Company is completing its biocompatibility tests as required by its IDE application. “The recent authorization by the FDA to commence our pivotal clinical study, following submission of the results of our extensive pre-clinical studies and tests, reinforces our confidence in our innovative technology,” commented Harel Gadot, CEO, President and Chairman. ”It is also a testament to our commitment to meet meaningful milestones as we continue our path towards potential regulatory clearance and subsequent commercialization in the US and other regions across the globe”. About Microbot Medical Microbot Medical Inc. (NASDAQ: MBOT) is a pre-clinical medical device company that specializes in transformational micro-robotic technologies, with the goals of improving clinical outcomes for patients and increasing accessibility through the natural and artificial lumens within the human body. The Investigational LIBERTY® Endovascular Robotic Surgical System aims to improve the way surgical robotics are being used in endovascular procedures today, by eliminating the need for large, cumbersome, and expensive capital equipment, while reducing radiation exposure and physician strain. The Company believes the LIBERTY® Endovascular Robotic Surgical System’s remote operation has the potential to be the first system to democratize endovascular interventional procedures. Further information about Microbot Medical is available at http://www.microbotmedical.com. Safe Harbor Statements to future financial and/or operating results, future growth in research, technology, clinical development, and potential opportunities for Microbot Medical Inc. and its subsidiaries, along with other statements about the future expectations, beliefs, goals, plans, or prospects expressed by management, constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and the Federal securities laws. Any statements that are not historical fact (including, but not limited to statements that contain words such as “will,” “believes,” “plans,” “anticipates,” “expects” and “estimates”) should also be considered to be forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, including, without limitation, market conditions, risks inherent in the development and/or commercialization of the LIBERTY® Endovascular Robotic Surgical System, the outcome of its studies to evaluate the LIBERTY® Endovascular Robotic Surgical System, uncertainty in the results of pre-clinical and clinical trials or regulatory pathways and regulatory approvals, including whether the Company’s pivotal study in humans is successful, any failure or inability to recruit physicians and clinicians to serve as primary investigators to conduct regulatory studies which could adversely affect or delay such studies, disruptions resulting from new and ongoing hostilities between Israel and the Palestinians and other neighboring countries, any lingering uncertainty resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, need and ability to obtain future capital, and maintenance of intellectual property rights. Additional information on risks facing Microbot Medical can be found under the heading “Risk Factors” in Microbot Medical’s periodic reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), which are available on the SEC’s web site at www.sec.gov. Microbot Medical disclaims any intent or obligation to update these forward-looking statements, except as required by law. Investor Contact: Michal Efraty+972-(0)52-3044404IR@microbotmedical.com

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Elastin Biosciences Announces Positive Preclinical In Vivo Data Demonstrating Elastin Preservation and Restoration in Models of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm and Williams Syndrome

Peripheral/Endo by Comments are Disabled

Mice treated with Elastin Restoration Platform demonstrated five-fold increase in elastin expression, improved metabolic profile, reduced pro-inflammatory markers, and significant improvement in aorta arterial tensile strength
LONDON, June 3, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Elastin Biosciences, an emerging biotechnology company focused on developing small molecule therapies to address diseases and conditions linked to elastin deficiency, today announced promising preclinical data from its in vivo mouse model studies.. The studies highlight the efficacy of the company’s Elastin Restoration Platform in enhancing elastin expression and improving arterial tensile strength, offering a potential breakthrough for conditions such as abdominal aortic aneurysm and Williams syndrome.
The Elastin Restoration Platform, which utilizes a combination of proprietary molecules, resulted in a five-fold increase in elastin expression and significantly improved arterial tensile strength of the aorta in mouse models. The therapy improved the overall metabolic profile and reduced pro-inflammatory markers without adverse effects, indicating a favorable safety profile and potential for broad therapeutic application. Additionally, treated mice showed a marked increase in elastin deposition biomarkers.
These results align with data from a prior proof-of-concept in vivo mouse study in which mice treated with the Elastin Restoration Platform showed significant improvements compared to untreated mice, such as enhanced coat color (from spotted gray to all black), better coat quality with less damage, and improved behavioral markers in tests assessing mobility and anxiety.
“These positive preclinical findings highlight the potential of our Elastin Restoration Platform to address critical conditions associated with elastin deficiency,” stated Sherif Idriss, Ph.D., CEO of Elastin Biosciences. “Our approach has demonstrated both therapeutic efficacy and potential for tissue recovery and regeneration, bringing us closer to developing effective treatments for numerous age-related diseases including those associated with the skin, lungs, and blood vessels. Notably, our treatment produced initial indications of efficacy in Williams syndrome, recovering the expression of five genes that are partially deleted in the aorta.”
Dr. Idriss continued, “Based on these data, our next step is to have our molecule combination advance to IND-enabling studies later this year, with the aim to initiate Phase 1 clinical trials by January 2026. Additionally, the Company is exploring other indications and therapies to maximize the benefits of our Elastin Restoration Platform.”
About Elastin:Elastin is a crucial protein in the human body, providing elasticity and resilience to tissues such as skin, lungs, and blood vessels. Its degradation due to aging leads to reduced tissue function and is associated with various age-related diseases. By mitigating elastin loss, therapies can potentially improve patients’ quality of life and longevity.
About Elastin Biosciences:Elastin Biosciences is an emerging biotechnology company developing small molecule therapeutics to address diseases linked to elastin deficiency. The Company’s Elastin Restoration Platform leverages a combination of proprietary molecules designed to fortify the structural integrity of crucial tissues, including those in the cardiovascular and epidermal systems.  Elastin’s lead development program has demonstrated an ability to increase elastin expression and arterial tensile strength in models of abdominal aortic aneurism and Williams syndrome, a rare a multisystem disorder characterized by elastin arteriopathy.  Elastin Biosciences emerged from Longaevus Technologies and is based in London.  For more information, please visit www.elastin-biosciences.com
Investor and Media Contact:Tiberend Strategic Advisors, Inc.
David Irish[email protected]231-632-0002
Eric Reiss[email protected]
SOURCE Elastin Biosciences

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HighLife Receives IDE Approval to Initiate US Pivotal Clinical Study for treatment of Mitral Regurgitation

Coronary/Structural Heart by Comments are Disabled

HighLife Receives IDE Approval to Initiate US Pivotal Clinical Study for treatment of Mitral Regurgitation Paris, June 3rd 2024 – HighLife SAS, a medtech company focused on the development of a novel Trans-Septal Mitral Valve Replacement (“TSMVR”) system to treat patients suffering from moderate to severe Mitral Regurgitation (MR), announced today that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted an Investigational Device Exemption (IDE) to initiate a US Pivotal Study with its technology. The Pivotal Study is a single-arm, multicenter, prospective study assessing the safety and effectiveness of the HighLife TSMVR solution in patients with moderate to severe Functional Mitral Regurgitation (FMR), unsuitable for surgery or transcatheter repair treatment. This patient population lacks approved therapeutic options, leading to a poor prognosis with many recurrent hospitalizations and reduced life expectancy. The pivotal study is expected to enroll patients at clinical sites in the United States, Europe and APAC. Over 100 patients have been treated with the HighLife technology within different clinical programs in the USA, Europe and APAC. Study results have been presented at conferences globally and published in JACC (Journal of the American College of Cardiology) – Cardiovascular Interventions1. Prof. Gregg W. Stone, Director of Academic Affairs for the Mount Sinai Health System and Professor of Medicine (Cardiology), and Population Health Science and Policy, at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai (New York, USA) will be the Principal Investigator of the Pivotal study. “I am honored to lead the HighLife pivotal study. There is still a significant unmet clinical need for patients suffering from mitral regurgitation and TMVR is a promising treatment option. The HighLife TMVR solution offers the potential to provide important clinical benefits for these high-risk patients. We are gratified that FDA has granted approval for this pivotal study that will further advance the management of patients with MR” commented Prof. Stone. Georg Börtlein, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of HighLife, said, “We are extremely pleased with the FDA IDE approval for our US pivotal study, marking a significant milestone in our US clinical strategy. This approval aligns with the maturity of our extensive clinical dataset generated over multiple sites across three continents. We are also making great progress towards CE mark readiness, eagerly anticipating the market introduction of our technology in Europe.” The HighLife technology will be featured at NY Valves annual meeting on Thursday, June 6th   at 11am in the session “Innovation at NYV: Transfemoral TMVR – Technology and Clinical Updates” – Room: Innovation & FDA, 504, Level 5, Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, North. About HighLife HighLife SAS, headquartered in Paris, France, with facilities in Irvine, California, is a pre-commercial stage company. It is focused on the development of a novel transcatheter replacement system for treating mitral regurgitation. The TSMVR solution developed by HighLife consists of a valve-in-ring concept, both ring and valve being implanted percutaneously. The technology is implanted in a simple, 3-step procedure. The valve is deployed in a beating heart, reducing trauma to the patients. It is currently evaluated in clinical studies across three continents. For more information, visit https://www.highlifemedical.com/ Caution: The HighLife Valves are investigational devices and not for sale in any geography. About Mitral Regurgitation Mitral Regurgitation is a growing public health concern, affecting over 2% of the total population2. It refers to a condition in which the valve between the heart’s left chambers (the mitral valve) does not close completely, allowing blood to leak back across it, rather than continuing to supply the organs with oxygenated blood. Without proper treatment, severe Mitral Regurgitation can cause major heart problems or even lead to heart failure. Limited treatment options are available for many patients at high surgical risk, TSMVR solutions offer a less invasive alternative to traditional open-heart surgery. Contact: HighLife MedicalAmina Benkabouabenkabou@highlifemed.comTel : +33 (0)1 72 32 21 25 1 1-Year Outcomes Following Transfemoral Transseptal Transcatheter Mitral Valve Replacement: The HighLife TSMVR Feasibility Study. J Am Coll Cardiol Intv. 2023 Dec, 16 (23) 2854–28652Burden of valvular heart diseases: a population base study. Nkomo VT et al.
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