The Barcelona-based startup specializing in devices to treat vascular problems Aortyx has launched a crowdfunding campaign with the goal of raising 1.6 million euros. The startup, born at the Institut Químic de Sarrià (IQS) and Hospital Clínic, has developed a patch for the treatment of aortic dissections. This device aims to reduce mortality and improve the quality of life of patients.
"After more than a year conducting animal trials to validate the application, we plan to start pilot clinical trials in patients in 2022," explains Aortyx co-founder and CEO, Jordi Martorell. The product they want to bring to market is a patch that adheres to the damaged artery to plug the wound or tear, and its technology focuses on imitating the original aortic tissue to achieve better integration and tissue regeneration. Aortyx has also started the industrialization process of the product prototype with the support of international manufacturers and all the company's quality procedures are being implemented with the aim of bringing it to market within the established timeframe.
The 1.6 million they hope to raise in this new crowdfunding campaign, launched through the Capital Cell platform, would be added to the 650,000 euros the startup already raised in a first round of financing led by Genesis Ventures. "This investment will allow us to continue meeting the planned deadlines and maintain our goal of launching the best possible product on the market," adds Martorell.
The company, a pioneer in the development of new generation vascular devices, was founded in 2018 by IQS School of Engineering researchers, Dr. Jordi Martorell, Noemí Balà, Dr. Salvador Borrós, and Dr. Vicenç Riambau, also head of Vascular Surgery at Hospital Clínic de Barcelona.