By Karen Deyo, Investor Research Analyst, LSN
With RESI Philadelphia just over a week away, we are excited to announce the 8 companies participating in the Innovators’ Pitch Challenge! The Innovators’ Gathering and Pitch Challenge continue to showcase the earliest stage companies who will be pitching to a panel of investors, as an opportunity to hone their pitches and receive feedback.
Selected from the tech hub constituents attending RESI, these companies are developing technologies in therapeutics, medical devices, diagnostics and digital health. The Innovators’ Pitch Challenge takes place from 1:00-2:30 PM at RESI, and we encourage you to stop by and listen to these companies pitch!
Moderated by Greg Mannix, VP of International Business Development at LSN, the panelists are:
- Phil Grayeski, Venture Associate, KdT Ventures
- George Syrmalis, CEO, The iQ Group Global
- Chris Hanson, Partner, Grant Park Ventures
- Renee Selman, Member, Robin Hood Ventures
- Stephen Nagler, Executive Director, MedPro Investors
The presenting companies are:
Aruga Technologics
Aruga Technologies is a vascular device company that integrates a novel and nature-inspired self-wiping surface technology platform into the design and manufacture of synthetic vascular devices. Aruga inspired devices are engineered with biomimicry to extend implant lifetime due to their ability to keep blood clot buildup from depositing on the device surface. Aruga’s product aims to provide unparalleled performance and value potential to patients, surgeons, and hospitals in a world of healthcare which continues to put more emphasis on preferred outcomes at affordable costs. Our first indications address small caliber (<4mm) vascular grafts (>$3B device market) that are direct 510(K) regulatory pathways with existing reimbursement codes.
BioRegenics
BioACT Matrix is an easier-to-use, safe and cost-effective synthetic bone graft substitute for orthopedic surgeons to implant, promoting more successful bone-healing in patients with challenging fractures. BioACT Matrix is a bioactive composite matrix that has a unique, fibrous structure made of FDA-approved biomaterials of biodegradable polymer embedded with nanoceramics. The material can be used either alone, as an autograft extender, or in combination with a patient’s bone marrow. BioACT Matrix is a flexible electrospun material that is easy to shape, reducing costly time in the operating room, and saving patients the cost for the surgical procedure. Its superior bioresorption, as well as optimized pore size and porosity for bone in-growth, will result in longer-lasting repair of bone fractures.
dB Diagnostic Systems
dB Diagnostic Systems is a medical devices company looking to overcome the barriers that exist in the $8 billion hearing testing market with an easy-to-use hardware & software-powered solution that can provide accurate evaluations in just minutes. They are bringing hearing diagnosis out of the specialist and sound proof room and into the clinic exam room for 75% of hearing impaired with 97% predictive value. Fully developed with 510(k) FDA clearance, the Hearing Healthcare Pro platform has been validated and piloted at Ochsner Clinic (which provides over 50% of Louisiana’s healthcare) as well as Montefiore in New York and Summit Medical Group (the country’s largest multispecialty private practice). Pilots are anticipated shortly at Northwell (NY) and Temple (PA). They have secured the first patent, have two more pending, and operate two active manufacturing facilities in Florida and Connecticut.
EndoCyclic Therapeutics
EndoCyclic Therapeutics’ CEO Tanya Petrossian is fighting against an overlooked disease that affects more than 150 million girls and women worldwide. Endometriosis is the #1 cause of both infertility and disability in working women. Currently, there is no curative therapeutic available for the disease. EndoCyclic Therapeutics is dedicated to developing the first preventative disease-modifying therapeutic for endometriosis. EndoCyclic Therapeutics initiated their Series A financing and is raising $15 million to fund the company through Phase IIA clinical development, including drug manufacturing. The company has already received $4 million commitment from two A-list institutional investors to be invested upon selection of a lead investor. The NIH granted EndoCyclic Therapeutics high priority on their Fast-Track SBIR grant and awarded them $2.3 million in funding.
IVIEW Therapeutics
IVIEW Therapeutics Inc. is a clinical stage development pharmaceutical company focusing on the areas of Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology. IVIEW was established by serial entrepreneurs and ophthalmologists in 2015 and located at Pennsylvania Biotechnology Center in Doylestown, Pennsylvania. IVIEW has assembled a top-notch management team composed of serial entrepreneurs and ophthalmologists and an Ophthalmology Advisory Board. We are building a solid novel drug product pipeline with both clinical and preclinical assets in ophthalmology and otolaryngology through in-house innovation research and global product in-license. Our lead compound, IVIEW-1201 is currently starting global phase II human clinical trials in US/India/China for the treatment of adenoviral conjunctivitis. There is currently no broadly effective therapy that treats all causes of infection and there is no approved treatment for viral conjunctivitis. This represents a massive unmet need in ophthalmology.
MedifVu
Become the gold standard in Real World Data by providing analysis of treatment efficacy & safety for consumers taking multiple medications, OTC and nutritionals, while also using Augmented Intelligence during treatment decisions to empower consumers and eliminate Adverse Drug Reactions.
PROBLEMS FACING OUR CUSTOMERS:
BioPharma: FDA recognizes the need to use Real World Evidence
Payors: Adverse Drug Reactions costs the U.S. up to $30 Billion annually
Consumers: Need for Consumerism in Healthcare
Our product, i-HealthAssist, provides analysis on how treatments work in various real settings e.g.:
• What diabetes treatment works best for patients also on high cholesterol medications?
• Which MS drug is most effective for patients also being treated for urinary incontinence & high blood pressure?
Nunetz
Nunetz cybersecurely tells a complete patient story using integrated, high-resolution data and thus revolutionizes the workflow for physicians and nurses using a unified data dashboard. Our platform increases care quality, reduces costs, and increases revenue to healthcare organizations and life science companies.
Vascor
Vascor has developed an innovative vascular assist device (VAD) that treats advanced heart failure more safely and overcomes existing device shortcomings. Annually, about 8,000 advanced heart failure patients are treated with a VAD. The global VAD market is expected to grow from $1 Billion in 2017 to $2 Billion in 2024. On average, VADs extend the patient’s life but have serious complications including infection, bleeding requiring reoperation, device failure, severe stroke and death. 72% of current VAD recipients incur a serious adverse event within one year.The Vascor failsafe non-rotary implantable counter pulsation heart assist device is powered by a transcutaneous energy transmission system that addresses the root causes of these serious adverse events.
With Redefining Early Stage Investments (RESI) Philadelphia just 10 days away, we are very excited to announce the top innovative companies who were selected for the Innovation Challenge. This is our third RESI held concurrent with BIO International Convention week, and the competition was among the highest. As a result, we have selected a few more companies to participate! As usual, various sectors including therapeutics, medical devices, diagnostics, and digital health were represented from applicants all over the world. The Top 35 selected companies reflect the global life sciences network of Life Science Nation and RESI, representing 9 different countries, from Asia to the Middle East. For these companies, the Innovation Challenge presents as another opportunity to showcase their technologies outside of the one-on-one partnering sessions that will be held all day at the partnering forum.
