R3 Vascular secures $17.8m in Series A for bioresorbable vascular scaffolds

R3 Vascular, a promising early-stage medical device company based in the United States, has raised $17.8 million in Series A financing to accelerate the development of its groundbreaking bioresorbable vascular scaffolds (BVS). The financing round was led by an undisclosed corporate investor and 415 CAPITAL, with additional participation from HBM-MedFocus and Wexford Capital. The funding is expected to propel R3 Vascular’s clinical efforts in developing advanced medical technologies designed to address the growing issue of peripheral artery disease (PAD), particularly below-the-knee (BTK) treatments.

The $17.8 million includes $15 million in new equity investments and the conversion of $2.8 million in convertible notes, showcasing significant confidence from investors in the company’s potential to revolutionize PAD treatment. As the incidence of PAD continues to rise globally due to factors like diabetes and obesity, R3 Vascular’s innovative approach to BTK vascular disease presents an opportunity to meet the critical need for safer and more effective treatments.

The Technology Behind R3 Vascular’s Bioresorbable Vascular Scaffolds

R3 Vascular is pioneering the use of bioresorbable vascular scaffolds coated with sirolimus for the treatment of PAD, specifically targeting BTK vascular disease. This novel approach combines the mechanical support of a stent with the anti-inflammatory properties of sirolimus, offering a promising solution for treating patients suffering from critical limb ischemia (CLI), a severe and often debilitating form of PAD. Unlike traditional stents, R3 Vascular’s scaffolds are bioresorbable, meaning they naturally dissolve over time as the blood vessel heals.

The scaffolds provide temporary support to the vessel while preventing restenosis (re-narrowing of the artery) and offering anti-inflammatory benefits. Once the healing process is complete, the scaffold disappears, reducing the risk of long-term complications. This dynamic approach sets R3 Vascular’s platform apart from existing therapies in the market, particularly those focused on balloon-based interventions.

Addressing the Growing Need for BTK Therapy in PAD Treatment

As highlighted by Jack Springer, Executive Chairman of R3 Vascular, the number of patients affected by BTK vascular disease is rapidly increasing. A significant driver of this growth is the global rise in diabetes and obesity, which are closely linked to the development of PAD. The escalating prevalence of these conditions has contributed to a surge in cases of critical limb ischemia, a condition where blood flow to the limbs is severely restricted, leading to potential amputation if left untreated.

Springer emphasized that the physician community has been waiting for a safer and more effective way to treat BTK disease. The bioresorbable vascular scaffold technology being developed by R3 Vascular promises to fill this gap by offering a less invasive and more effective treatment option compared to traditional methods.

Innovations in Polymer Technology and Clinical Advancements

R3 Vascular’s CEO, Kamal Ramzipoor, expressed confidence in the company’s proprietary polymer technology, which has been validated in multiple clinical trials. The company’s bioresorbable scaffolds are designed to provide the mechanical performance of traditional drug-eluting stents (DES) but with the added benefit of being bioresorbable. This achievement marks a significant step forward in BTK interventions, offering a distinct advantage over balloon-based therapies.

Ramzipoor noted that R3 Vascular’s polymer technology is the only platform to have demonstrated ‘DES-like’ mechanical performance at the sub-100-micron level, which is crucial for ensuring the durability and stability of scaffolds used in BTK interventions. The ability to maintain consistent performance across a range of scaffold diameters is a key differentiator that sets R3 Vascular apart from competitors in the space.

Strategic Use of Series A Funding for Clinical Development

The funds raised in this Series A round will primarily be used to advance R3 Vascular’s clinical development pipeline. This includes further trials to refine and validate the company’s next-generation bioresorbable scaffolds for PAD treatment, particularly in BTK interventions. The company is focused on accelerating the clinical adoption of its technology, which is poised to make a significant impact on patient outcomes in the PAD space.

A Bright Future for R3 Vascular

With a strong financial backing and an innovative approach to treating peripheral artery diseases, R3 Vascular is well-positioned to lead the charge in advancing the next generation of BTK therapy. As the company moves forward with its clinical trials, it could transform the landscape of PAD treatment and offer hope to millions of patients suffering from the debilitating effects of vascular disease.

For more information on R3 Vascular and its bioresorbable vascular scaffolds, stay tuned to the latest developments in the medical device industry.