Steve Motes brings deep expertise in Mechanical Circulatory Support(MCS) and early-stage company leadership Company backed by Sofinnova Partners and leading medtech entrepreneurs and cardiologists PARIS, France and Dallas, Texas – May 18th, 2026 – Tulyp Medical, a Paris-based medical device company developing an intelligent pressure-driven perfusion system, today announced the appointment […]
Coronary/Structural Heart
Philips introduces SmartIQ to address the trade-off between image quality and radiation dose in coronary procedures
Philips Azurion with SmartIQ technology
Physicians are using Philips Azurion with SmartIQ technology during an medical procedure.
May 18, 2026 Greater differentiation of clinical details through contrast-rich images with reduced background noiseFor coronary procedures, a new ultra-low dose protocol employs over 50% less X-ray radiation dose [1]First SmartIQ clinical pilot study published in JSCAI, further building on Philips’ strong track record in evidence generation [2] Amsterdam, the Netherlands – Royal Philips (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHIA), a global leader in health technology, today announced Philips SmartIQ, a breakthrough coronary imaging technology for its Azurion image-guided therapy. Developed in collaboration with leading cardiovascular centers, SmartIQ is designed to address one of the field’s most fundamental challenges: the trade-off between image quality and radiation exposure for patients and clinical staff. It aims to empower clinicians with exceptional image quality, enabling them to see exactly what they need, while it aims to provide reassurance that X-ray dose and contrast levels are optimized. “With this new imaging technology, we can go really low in dose and achieve even better image quality. It’s a win-win,” said Dr. Mark Winkens, Interventional Cardiologist at Elisabeth-TweeSteden Hospital (ETZ) in Tilburg, the Netherlands.Philips will showcase SmartIQ at EuroPCR 2026 (May 19–22, Paris, France), where attendees can experience the technology firsthand and hear directly from early clinical adopters. During dedicated clinical sessions, clinicians will share initial case experiences and present real-world multicenter results. Leveraging Philips’ strong track record in evidence generation, the first blinded clinical pilot study evaluating SmartIQ was recently published in Journal of the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography & Interventions. The study suggests that the algorithm scored higher on image quality and was preferred in the vast majority of blinded comparisons, while maintaining or lowering radiation and contrast dose. The technology builds on Philips’ industry-leading ClarityIQ platform, which has previously been associated with radiation exposure reductions between 23% and 83%, depending on the clinical area [3]. In parallel, further strengthening Philips’ evidence-generation efforts, the ongoing RADIQAL trial is designed to assess the impact of SmartIQ on radiation dose compared to ClarityIQ while maintaining procedural performance. The study has recently reached 60% of total enrollment and completed enrollment at European sites, marking an important milestone. Final study completion and results are expected in due course. SmartIQ represents the next step forward in image quality and dose management for coronary imaging. It includes an ultra-low dose protocol for coronary procedures that employs over 50% less X-ray radiation dose compared with the lowest dose settings available with Philips ClarityIQ [1]. This setting aims to enable acquisition of coronary cine runs at fluoroscopy dose levels, depending on system and clinical conditions [4]. “For too long, clinicians have had to choose between image quality and radiation dose during coronary procedures,” said Mark Stoffels, Business Leader Image-Guided Therapy Systems at Philips. “With our breakthrough SmartIQ technology, we believe that trade-off no longer has to define coronary imaging. This is not an incremental step forward – it represents one of Philips’ boldest advances yet in helping clinicians see what they need while aiming to further reduce exposure for patients and clinical teams.” “Image quality is the foundation of every decision we make in the cath lab. SmartIQ has genuinely surprised us. It delivers the clarity we need at very low radiation dose levels,” said Dr. Nicolaj Brejnholt Støttrup, Interventional Cardiologist at Aarhus University Hospital in Aarhus, Denmark. SmartIQ is the latest example of Philips’ long-term commitment to reducing radiation exposure across image-guided therapy. Together with innovations such as DoseAware, LumiGuide and EchoNavigator, it reflects a system-wide approach designed to help clinicians achieve the image quality they need while continuing the aim to reduce radiation exposure for patients and staff. SmartIQ is CE-marked and available in Europe and selected markets on both new and existing Azurion systems. The technology is not yet cleared for use in the United States. [1] Compared with the low ClarityIQ setting on Azurion systems, SmartIQ ultra-low left coronary 15 fps cine runs specify average reference air kerma reductions of 58% on Azurion M12 and 62% on Azurion M20 across all field sizes as stated in the IFU.[2] Assar et al., Exploring a Novel Processing Algorithm to Improve Image Quality and Reduce X-Ray and Contrast Dose for Coronary Angiography: A Blinded Pilot Study. Journal of the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography & Interventions, 2026, 105343[3] In 37 individual comparative studies, Philips ClarityIQ was associated with reductions in patient radiation exposure. The results of the application of dose reduction techniques will vary depending on the clinical task, patient size, anatomical location and clinical practice. The interventional radiologist assisted by a physicist as necessary has to determine the appropriate settings for each specific clinical task. See website: https://www.philips.com/clinicallyproven [4] The radiation dose reduction potential of SmartIQ is currently investigated in the RADIQAL trial. The RADIQAL trial is a multi-center randomized clinical trial to assess the impact of SmartIQ on radiation dose compared to the current ClarityIQ while maintaining procedural performance. This includes a comparison to the limitation of the reference air kerma rate in fluoroscopy of
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Orchestra BioMed Targeting BACKBEAT Trial Enrollment Completion By End of Q3 2026 and Data Presentation in Q2 2027
Orchestra BioMed targeting enrollment completion of BACKBEAT Global Pivotal Trial (“BACKBEAT Trial”) by the end of Q3 2026 Orchestra BioMed and Medtronic plc. (NYSE: MDT, “Medtronic”), the Company’s strategic collaborator for the BACKBEAT Trial, intend to submit primary endpoint results for consideration as a late-breaker at a major cardiology conference in Q2 2027Medtronic plans to submit AVIM Therapy-related marketing application for FDA approval after primary endpoint data analyses and reports are complete and pursue subsequent global regulatory approvals, assuming primary safety and efficacy endpoints are met NEW HOPE, Pa., May 12, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Orchestra BioMed Holdings, Inc. (Nasdaq: OBIO) (“Orchestra BioMed” or the “Company”), a biomedical company accelerating high-impact technologies to patients through strategic partnerships with market-leading global medical device companies, today announced an update to the overall clinical and regulatory timeline for the BACKBEAT Trial evaluating Atrioventricular Interval Modulation Therapy (“AVIM Therapy”) in pacemaker-indicated patients with uncontrolled hypertension despite medications. The Company is targeting completion of enrollment by the end of the third quarter of 2026. Further, the Company and Medtronic, its strategic collaborator for the BACKBEAT Trial and the commercialization of AVIM Therapy for the treatment of uncontrolled hypertension in patients indicated for a pacemaker, plan to submit the primary endpoint data for a late-breaking clinical trial presentation at a major cardiovascular conference in the second quarter of 2027. Lastly, assuming primary safety and efficacy endpoints are met, Medtronic plans to submit a marketing application for FDA approval after primary endpoint data analyses and reports are complete, and subsequently to pursue global regulatory approvals. The updated BACKBEAT Trial timeline is supported by FDA approval of a reduction in the sample size for the clinical trial to a target total of 284 evaluable randomized subjects with the total enrollment target of 316 patients accounting for potential loss to follow up. The primary efficacy endpoint (between-group difference in 24-hour ambulatory systolic blood pressure “aSBP” at 3-month follow up) and primary safety endpoint (freedom from unanticipated serious adverse device events in the AVIM Therapy arm at 3-month follow up) remain robustly powered ( >90% statistical power) at the revised sample size for the trial. The sample size is designed to detect a between group difference of at least 5 mmHg in aSBP. The change in sample size reflects collaboration among Orchestra BioMed, Medtronic and the FDA under the Breakthrough Devices program, and follows FDA approval of an amendment to the BACKBEAT Trial protocol received on May 8, 2026 by Orchestra BioMed. David Hochman, Chairman, Chief Executive Officer of Orchestra BioMed, commented, “We are delighted to provide clarity on the anticipated overall timeline for the BACKBEAT Trial, which reflects ongoing global enrollment momentum and FDA alignment with a streamlined sample size that remains highly powered to assess AVIM Therapy’s efficacy and safety at the 3-month primary endpoints. We believe BACKBEAT has the potential to be a landmark pivotal trial that can open up an entirely new therapeutic modality for patients at increased risk from high blood pressure and hypertensive heart disease.” Robert C. Kowal, M.D., Ph.D., Vice President and General Manager for Cardiac Pacing Therapies in the Medtronic Cardiac Rhythm Management operating unit, stated, “For decades, cardiac pacing has been foundational in the management of rhythm disorders. With the BACKBEAT Trial, Medtronic and Orchestra BioMed are investigating whether AVIM Therapy can extend the benefits of pacing to the field of hypertension management in high-risk patients. This update reflects our shared confidence in progress toward the completion of enrollment, the submission of data to the FDA, and the presentation of clinical evidence.” About Orchestra BioMed Orchestra BioMed is a biomedical innovation company accelerating high-impact technologies to patients through strategic collaborations with market-leading global medical device companies. The Company’s two flagship product candidates – Atrioventricular Interval Modulation (AVIM) Therapy and Virtue® Sirolimus AngioInfusion™ Balloon (Virtue SAB) – are currently undergoing pivotal clinical trials for their lead indications, each representing multi-billion-dollar annual global market opportunities. AVIM Therapy is a bioelectronic treatment for hypertension, the leading risk factor for death worldwide, and is designed to be delivered by a pacemaker and achieve immediate, substantial and sustained reductions in blood pressure in patients with hypertensive heart disease. The Company has a strategic collaboration with Medtronic, one of the largest medical device companies in the world and the global leader in cardiac pacing therapies, for the development and commercialization of AVIM Therapy for the treatment of uncontrolled hypertension in pacemaker-indicated patients. AVIM Therapy has FDA Breakthrough Device Designations for these patients, as well as an estimated 7.7 million total patients in the U.S. with uncontrolled hypertension despite medical therapy and increased cardiovascular risk. Virtue SAB is a highly differentiated, first-of-its-kind non-coated drug delivery angioplasty balloon system designed to deliver a large liquid dose of proprietary extended-release formulation of sirolimus, SirolimusEFR™, for the treatment of atherosclerotic artery disease, the leading cause of mortality worldwide. Virtue SAB has been granted Breakthrough Device Designation by the FDA for the treatment of coronary in-stent restenosis, coronary small vessel disease and below-the-knee peripheral artery disease. For further information about Orchestra BioMed, please visit www.orchestrabiomed.com, and follow us on LinkedIn. About AVIM TherapyAVIM Therapy is an investigational therapy compatible with standard dual-chamber pacemakers designed to substantially and persistently lower blood pressure. It has been evaluated in pilot studies in patients with hypertension who are also indicated for a pacemaker. MODERATO II, a double-blind, randomized pilot study, showed that patients treated with AVIM Therapy experienced net reductions of 8.1 mmHg in 24-hour ambulatory systolic blood pressure (aSBP) and 12.3 mmHg in office systolic blood pressure (oSBP) at six months when compared to control patients. In addition to reducing blood pressure, clinical results using AVIM Therapy demonstrate improvements in cardiac function and hemodynamics. The BACKBEAT (BradycArdia paCemaKer with atrioventricular interval modulation for Blood prEssure treAtmenT) global pivotal study is evaluating the safety and efficacy of AVIM Therapy in lowering blood pressure in patients who have systolic blood pressure above target despite anti-hypertensive medication and who are indicated for or have recently received a dual-chamber cardiac pacemaker. AVIM Therapy has been granted two Breakthrough Device Designations by the FDA for the treatment of uncontrolled hypertension in patients who have increased cardiovascular risk. Forward-Looking Statements Certain statements included in this press release that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements for purposes of the safe harbor provisions under the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements generally are accompanied by words such as “believe,” “may,” “will,” “estimate,” “continue,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “expect,” “should,” “would,” “plan,” “predict,” “potential,” “seem,” “seek,” “future,” “outlook” and similar expressions that predict or indicate future events or trends or that are not statements of historical matters. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements relating to the enrollment, timing, implementation, results and design of the Company’s ongoing pivotal trials, the timing of regulatory submissions, realizing the clinical and commercial value of the Company’s product candidates, the potential safety and efficacy of the Company’s product candidates, and the ability of the Company’s partnerships to accelerate clinical development. These statements are based on various assumptions, whether or not identified in this press release, and on the current expectations of the Company’s management and are not predictions of actual performance. These forward-looking statements are provided for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to serve as and must not be relied on as a guarantee, an assurance, a prediction, or a definitive statement of fact or probability. Actual events and circumstances are difficult or impossible to predict and may differ from assumptions. Many actual events and circumstances are beyond the control of the Company. These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including changes in domestic and foreign business, market, financial, political, and legal conditions; risks related to regulatory approval of the Company’s commercial product candidates and ongoing regulation of the Company’s product candidates, if approved; the timing of, and the Company’s ability to achieve expected regulatory and business milestones; the impact of competitive products and product candidates; and the risk factors discussed under the heading “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2025, which was filed with the SEC on March 12, 2026. The Company operates in a very competitive and rapidly changing environment. New risks emerge from time to time. Given these risks and uncertainties, the Company cautions against placing undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which only speak as of the date of this press release. The Company does not plan and undertakes no obligation to update any of the forward-looking statements made herein, except as required by law. Investor Contact:Silas NewcombOrchestra BioMedSnewcomb@orchestrabiomed.com Media Contact:Kelsey KirkOrchestra BioMedkkirkellis@orchestrabiomed.com
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Cytokinetics Announces New Data Related to MYQORZO® (aficamten) at ESC Heart Failure 2026
Multinational Real-world Data Reinforce Favorable Clinical Profile and Long-Term Safety SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, Calif., May 11, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Cytokinetics, Incorporated (Nasdaq: CYTK) today announced the presentation of new data reinforcing the clinical profile of MYQORZO® (aficamten) at the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) Heart Failure 2026 Congress. The presentations include new analyses from SEQUOIA-HCM, the pivotal Phase 3 clinical trial of aficamten in patients with oHCM; MAPLE-HCM, the Phase 3 clinical trial of aficamten compared to metoprolol in patients with symptomatic obstructive HCM (oHCM); and FOREST-HCM, the open-label extension trial of aficamten. Collectively, the new evidence expands understanding of the effectiveness of cardiac myosin inhibition with aficamten compared directly to metoprolol, a beta blocker, as well as specific safety and durability characteristics of MYQORZO across patient demographics, clinical, and economic subgroups. “The breadth of research being presented at ESC Heart Failure 2026 reflects our commitment to deepening the scientific understanding of oHCM and heart failure,” said Stephen Heitner, M.D., Senior Vice President, Clinical Research and Development, Cytokinetics. “These new insights underscore the strength and consistency of the clinical profile of MYQORZO, adding to the growing body of real-world evidence informing physician treatment decisions.” New Analyses Show MYQORZO Outperforms Metoprolol Across Sex and Doses A dose-dependent analysis from MAPLE-HCM compared aficamten to the beta-blocker metoprolol in patients with symptomatic oHCM. Key findings showed significant improvements in exercise capacity, outflow gradients, and N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) across all treatment doses. Conversely, metoprolol failed to show improvement in these outcomes regardless of the dose administered (Figure 1). Figure 1 A secondary analysis of sex differences in MAPLE-HCM showed consistent benefits of MYQORZO in women. Despite women entering the trial (42%) with more severe baseline characteristics, MYQORZO delivered nearly identical improvements in peak oxygen consumption (pVO2) for both sexes (+2.2 mL/kg/min). Both groups also saw significant gains in Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire Clinical Summary Score (KCCQ-CSS) and reductions in cardiac biomarkers and NT-proBNP. Long-term Data Reinforce Safety and Efficacy Profile of MYQORZO A prospective analysis of 122 patients who had interpretable ambulatory electrocardiogram (ECG) data at screening in the FOREST-HCM showed that long-term treatment with MYQORZO—up to 96 weeks—did not increase the incidence of arrhythmias in patients, including those who underwent withdrawal of beta-blocker therapy. Among 122 patients, the incidence of non-sustained ventricular tachycardia (NSVT) on ambulatory ECG remained stable through 96 weeks compared with baseline, with no increase in atrial fibrillation (AF) episodes and no newly identified subclinical AF. There was also no increase in arrhythmia frequency among a subgroup of 16 patients who discontinued beta-blocker therapy during aficamten treatment. These results represent the first prospective analysis of ambulatory ECG monitoring in patients treated with a cardiac myosin inhibitor and are consistent with the low incidence of clinically detected arrhythmias previously reported for patients with oHCM treated with aficamten. Additionally, an open-label extension study of aficamten in Chinese patients with symptomatic oHCM showed that aficamten was well tolerated using the same dosing strategy of individualized titration as was used globally. Through 48 weeks of treatment with aficamten, patients experienced no serious or severe treatment-emergent adverse events, no occurrences of LVEF
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