Ventures

Epilepsy causes uncontrolled seizures, greatly reducing quality of life and sometimes leading to early death. Over 50 million people worldwide have epilepsy, but only two-thirds respond to medication. For those with drug-resistant epilepsy, treatment options are limited and often ineffective. MIR Therapeutics is developing a new gene therapy to provide lasting and powerful seizure control for drug-resistant epilepsy patients. Their therapy delivers microRNA-335 to the affected brain regions using an AAV9 viral vector, which helps control hyperexcitability by regulating voltage-gated sodium channels. This results in fewer and less severe seizures.

Axial Orthopaedics Inc. revolutionizes trauma treatment with their innovative intramedullary nailing system. Current systems often lead to bone misalignment and joint pain, blocking post-procedural recovery. Axial Orthopaedics's modular system offers greater flexibility in bone alignment and healing. This system not only addresses postoperative pain but also reduces complications. Its intra-operative modularity and rotational capabilities allow surgeons to achieve better fracture fixation and improved outcomes, filling a crucial gap in current technology.

ProVascTec offers a novel solution for chronic arterial disease, focusing on peripheral arterial disease (PAD) and chronic limb ischemia. Unlike traditional treatments like angioplasty or bypass surgery, ProVascTec aims to stimulate vascular tissue growth using mesenchymal stem cells, reducing complications and improving blood flow. This innovative approach has the potential to benefit millions of patients suffering from PAD worldwide.

Polynerve is a cutting-edge solution for repairing nerve injuries, offering a better alternative to traditional methods like autografting. Its unique design helps nerves grow in the right direction, reducing complications and surgical time. This absorbable option improves patient recovery and simplifies surgery for healthcare providers, making it a game-changer in nerve repair procedures.

The traditional practice of immediately cutting the umbilical cord after birth can pose risks to newborns, causing a dangerous drop in blood flow and oxygen levels. Concord Neonatal offers a solution by allowing babies to receive lifesaving care with the umbilical cord intact until they start breathing on their own. This innovation, aims to prevent birth complications and long-term disabilities, while keeping the baby close to the mother and maximizing the benefits of placental blood until the baby can breathe independently.

OCCLUNOVA introduces a novel solution for chronic atrial fibrillation (AF), a condition affecting millions worldwide where the heart's upper chambers beat irregularly. Their implantable device aims to prevent strokes associated with AF by sealing off the left atrial appendage (LAA), where blood clots often form. Unlike traditional methods, which can cause complications due to their rigid frame, OccluNova's design uses a flexible balloon to fully seal the LAA. This innovative approach minimizes risks like pericardial effusions and incomplete closure, offering a safer option for AF patients.

Pasithea improves treating obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), a condition affecting millions worldwide. Traditional treatments like continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) face high refusal and dropout rates. Pasithea offers a non-invasive solution based on triggered kinesthetic stimulation. By detecting early signs of apnea or hypopnea and inducing a controlled response, Pasithea activates muscle control centers to prevent oxygen desaturation and associated cardiovascular risks, aiming to improve patient compliance and outcomes.

ImplantGuard is addressing the challenge of bacterial infections post-implant surgery, which affect millions of patients worldwide. Their solution involves coating implants with antimicrobials using a versatile and cost-effective process called plasma nitriding. This innovative coating technology offers a safer and more efficient alternative to existing implant coatings, potentially reducing the risk of infections and the need for costly surgical procedures.