Akura Medical, a Shifamed portfolio company dedicated to advancing venous thromboembolism (VTE) care, has announced a $53 million first close in its Series C financing. The funding round, led by the Qatar Investment Authority (QIA), will propel the development of its Katana™ Thrombectomy System and NavIQ™ quantification software. This capital infusion is set to accelerate the company's clinical and regulatory milestones, aiming to reshape treatment for pulmonary embolism.
Fueling Clinical and Product Development
This substantial investment provides Akura Medical with the necessary resources to advance its ambitious product pipeline and clinical programs. The funds are specifically allocated to complete enrollment in the pivotal QUADRA-PE clinical trial, a critical step toward regulatory approval. Furthermore, the capital will support ongoing development activities for both the Katana™ system and NavIQ™ software, ensuring they meet rigorous clinical standards.
A Vision for Intelligent Thrombectomy
Company leadership emphasized that this financing validates their vision for a more precise, data-driven approach to thrombectomy. Amr Salahieh, Chair and Acting CEO, stated that the company is advancing a differentiated portfolio aimed at improving procedural precision and patient outcomes. The investment from QIA and existing partners underscores confidence in Akura's strategy to integrate intelligent technology into VTE treatment protocols.
The Katana System: A Novel Approach to Clot Removal
The Katana™ Thrombectomy System is engineered to address the complexities of removing diverse blood clots from the pulmonary arteries. Its unique design employs high-velocity saline jets to effectively break up thrombi regardless of their morphology, which helps prevent catheter clogging and enhances procedural efficiency. The system also integrates sensors to provide real-time pulmonary artery pressure data, giving physicians critical feedback on the procedure's progress.
Enhancing Precision with NavIQ Software
Complementing the hardware is the NavIQ™ quantification software, designed to bring a new level of precision to pre-procedural planning. The software transforms a standard CT angiogram into an interactive 3D model of the patient's pulmonary vasculature for enhanced anatomical visualization. By providing detailed clot characterization, NavIQ is intended to assist physicians in optimizing their treatment strategy and prioritizing interventions effectively.
Addressing a Major Health Challenge
Akura Medical's technology directly addresses venous thromboembolism, the third leading cause of cardiovascular death in the United States. This serious condition occurs when a blood clot obstructs blood flow to the lungs, leading to a life-threatening pulmonary embolism. By developing more efficient and data-informed tools, the company aims to provide a superior treatment option for this widespread and critical medical issue.
The successful $53 million financing round positions Akura Medical to significantly advance the standard of care for patients with venous thromboembolism. With support from investors like QIA, the company is well-equipped to complete its clinical trials and bring its innovative Katana™ and NavIQ™ platforms to market. This progress represents a promising step toward delivering safer, more effective, and intelligent solutions for a challenging cardiovascular condition.