German Company Protembis Secures €20 Million for Innovations in Brain Protection for Heart Surgeries

Protembis Secures €20 Million in Venture Debt Financing from EIB for Cerebral Protection Device Development.

German medical technology company Protembis has successfully secured €20 million in venture debt financing from the European Investment Bank (EIB) to advance the development of its next-generation device designed to protect patients' brains during specific heart treatments. This significant funding will enable Protembis to support clinical trials, research, development, and market access for its ProtEmbo® Cerebral Protection System.

The ProtEmbo® system is an innovative intra-aortic filter device aimed at safeguarding patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR), a procedure commonly used to treat severe aortic stenosis. As the global healthcare landscape evolves, an estimated 430,000 patients with severe aortic stenosis are expected to undergo TAVR by 2025. This procedure, while life-saving, carries inherent risks, particularly the potential dislodgment of debris that can lead to serious complications, including strokes and cognitive decline.

During TAVR procedures, there is a significant risk that debris lining the aortic arch and old aortic valve can become dislodged. This debris can then travel to the brain through the major arteries that branch off the aortic arch, blocking smaller vessels in the brain and leading to lesions that may precipitate strokes or exacerbate cognitive issues. The ProtEmbo® device is designed to address this critical risk by being inserted through the left wrist artery during TAVR, effectively lining the roof of the aortic arch and shielding the brain from any dislodged debris.

Protembis’s innovative approach not only aims to enhance patient safety but also strives to improve overall surgical outcomes for those undergoing heart procedures. The company’s commitment to developing a simple yet effective solution positions it at the forefront of medical technology aimed at mitigating complications associated with cardiovascular interventions.

In a joint statement, Protembis Co-CEOs Karl von Mangoldt and Conrad Rasmus expressed their gratitude for the EIB's support, stating, “We are pleased to announce the signature of this agreement with the EIB. We would like to recognize the hard work, skill, and professionalism of the EIB team while thanking our existing investors and our board for their unwavering belief in the benefits of this additional financing facility.” This endorsement reflects the confidence in Protembis’s vision and its potential impact on patient care.

EIB Vice-President Nicola Beer emphasized the significance of this funding, stating, “This agreement demonstrates our commitment to supporting companies such as Protembis that aim to improve the health and well-being of European citizens.” The EIB’s partnership with Protembis is part of a broader initiative supported by the InvestEU program, which seeks to catalyze over €372 billion in investments in new technologies by 2027. This collaboration aligns with InvestEU’s goal of promoting research, development, and innovation across Europe, demonstrating a shared commitment to advancing healthcare solutions.

As Protembis progresses with its clinical trials and market strategies, this substantial funding will play a crucial role in advancing its mission to enhance patient outcomes and minimize the risks associated with cardiac procedures. The anticipated results from the ProtEmbo® device could transform the standard of care for patients undergoing TAVR and similar heart treatments, potentially setting new benchmarks for safety and efficacy in the medical field.

Moreover, the successful development of the ProtEmbo® system could pave the way for additional innovations within the company, as it seeks to explore other applications of its technology in various medical procedures where embolic protection is crucial. By focusing on innovation and patient safety, Protembis is poised to make significant strides in the medtech industry, potentially leading to a broader adoption of its solutions in healthcare systems around the world. As the company looks to the future, its ongoing research and development efforts are expected to contribute to improving the quality of care and health outcomes for patients facing heart-related interventions.