SaluTech is developing a Conductive Biomaterial (CBM) to treat Atrial Fibrillation by resynchronizing the electrical propagation in the heart. CBM is a non-toxic, long-lasting, and biocompatible nano-membrane that mimics the conductive velocity of healthy heart tissue – addressing the underlying conduction issues to improve the synchronization of heart cell electrical and mechanical activity. The technology is patent protected and supported by 11 published papers. Extensive pre-clinical studies show significant reduction in cardiac arrhythmia, improved heart function, and safety for up to 12 months. SaluTech is currently completing animal studies, and looking to move forward to start clinical trials.
UNMET NEED/COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE
Atrial Fibrillation (AF) is irregular atrial tissue contraction, in which patients have a 5-fold increased risk for stroke, 3-fold increased risk for heart failure, and 2-fold increased risk for dementia. Over 33 million people globally suffer from AF, and this number is growing by over 5% annually due to an aging population. In Canada, a study from 2007-2008 found that AF was already creating a substantial economic burden to the healthcare system, costing over $800 million in just hospital costs. The death rate associated with AF as the primary contributing factor has continued to rise for over two decades.
INNOVATION
SaluTech's conductive biomaterial is the only AF treatment focused on addressing the underlying conduction issues within the heart and restoring a healthy heart beat. This provides a highly effective long-term solution, without further damaging the heart or causing side-effects.
For more information: https://www.salutechlimited.com/
SaluTech has developed a novel conductive biomaterial (CBM) to treat patients living with AF by addressing the underlying electrophysiological cause. The CBM consists of a conductive polymer, combined with a biomaterial to allow for a biocompatible and long-lasting membrane that can be easily used in the human body.
THE CBM is a platform technology that can also be used for treating other key cardiovascular issues including ventricular tachycardia led heart failure, improving implantable devices, and replacing synthetic surgical materials.
APPLICATION/UTILITIES
SaluTech has developed a novel conductive biomaterial (CBM) to treat patients living with AF by addressing the underlying electrophysiological cause. The CBM consists of a conductive polymer, combined with a biomaterial to allow for a biocompatible and long-lasting membrane that can be easily used in the human body.
THE CBM is a platform technology that can also be used for treating other key cardiovascular issues including ventricular tachycardia led heart failure, improving implantable devices, and replacing synthetic surgical materials.
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES:
US$5M Seed round to:
(1) Complete biocompatibility testing and GLP large animal testing
(2) Develop prototypes for minimally-invasive delivery device
(3) Hire experienced team and grow clinical advisory group
COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE:
- Bio-Conductivity– capable of synchronizing myocardial conduction by matching the conductive velocity of myocardial tissue
- Bio-Compatibility- patented technique to conjugate conductive polymers onto biomaterial creates a conductive, yet biocompatible material
- Flexibility in shape - flexible membrane that allow for proper attachment onto atrial tissue. The flexibility supports future commercial use through a minimally-invasive delivery procedure
MARKET SIZE:
The global AF device market is $4.1 billion (2018); it is growing rapidly at a CAGR of 13.6%, and is estimated to be $7.8 billion in 2023
PATENT PORTFOLIO:
Two patents for matter composition and application of use:
Patent 1: Conductive Biomaterial for Enhancement of Conduction in vitro and in vivo
Patent 2: Conductive Benzoic Acid-based Polymer Containing Biomaterial for Enhancement of Tissue Conduction invitro and in vivo
Additional patents are planned for the next generation of the technology, as well as patents related to development of a minimally-invasive delivery device.
READINESS LEVEL:
After completing a Pre-Submission meeting with the FDA, we have confirmed all the remaining testing that we need to complete before starting clinical trials and ensure completion is in line with regulatory expectations.
MANAGEMENT TEAM:
Shuhe Li, JD/MBA (CEO)
Shuhe Li previously worked at the Bank of Montreal Capital Markets as an Investment Banking Associate in the North American Financial Institutions Group. She covered international companies, and worked on buy- and sell-side mandates, debt and equity issuances, and shareholder activism defense.
Shuhe co-founded the company, and has led business development through the license negotiation, fundraising of pre-seed round, and management of the patent and
regulatory process.
INVENTOR(s) /SCIENTIFIC FOUNDER(s):
Ren-Ke Li, MD/PhD/FCAHS (CSO)
Dr. Ren-Ke Li is the inventor of SaluTech’s conductive biomaterial. Dr. Li is a Senior Scientist at the Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, University Health Network and a Professor of Medicine in the Department of Surgery, Division of Cardiac Surgery at the University of Toronto. He is the Canada Research Chair in Cardiac Regeneration(Tier 1), was a Career Investigator of the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada, and has published 276 peer-reviewed papers in reputable journals. He is Editor-in-Chief of Stem Cells International Journal and Fellow of Canadian Academy of Health Science since 2011.
