Guidant Corp Invests in Spiration Inc to Develop Lung Disease Treatments

Strategic Insights -

Guidant Corp, a specialist in cardiac and vascular diseases, is making an equity investment in Spiration Inc, a US-based company that develops medical devices for treating lung disease. Spiration's products, including an intra-bronchial valve and the VALR surgical system, have shown promise in early pre-clinical trials for treating emphysema and lung cancer. The investment aligns with Guidant's goal of delivering less invasive care for life-threatening medical conditions.

Key Takeaways:

  • Guidant Corp is investing in Spiration Inc to support the development of minimally invasive therapies for lung disease.
  • Spiration's intra-bronchial valve is a device that can be placed in the bronchial tree to achieve lung volume reduction, potentially offering an alternative treatment for patients with emphysema.
  • The VALR surgical system is being evaluated in clinical trials as a replacement for surgical staplers, staples, and buttressing materials used for sealing lung tissue.
  • Guidant's investment is a result of Spiration's approach to treating lung disease using minimally invasive therapies, aligning with Guidant's goal of delivering less invasive care.
  • The intra-bronchial valve has shown potential for reducing tissue trauma, air leaks, and bleeding associated with lung surgery.
  • Clinical trials are underway to evaluate the effectiveness of the VALR surgical system.
  • Keith Brauer, Guidant's Chief Financial Officer, cited Spiration's innovative approach as the reason for the investment.

Statistics:

  • 2 products are currently under development by Spiration Inc: the intra-bronchial valve and the VALR surgical system.
  • 1 intra-bronchial valve is designed to be placed in the bronchial tree to achieve lung volume reduction.
  • 1 VALR surgical system is being evaluated in clinical trials as a potential replacement for surgical staplers, staples, and buttressing materials.
  • No specific details on the equity investment amount were disclosed.
  • Early pre-clinical work on both products has demonstrated potential for improving lung treatment techniques.

Sources:

  • Guidant Corp investor relations press release