Rox Medical pulled in $40 million in Series E financing, with plans to launch a U.S. pivotal trial for its mechanical solution for uncontrolled hypertension.
The Rox Medical Coupler is a stent-like device that mechanically lowers blood pressure by connecting the artery and vein in the upper leg, according to the company. It is implanted between the femoral vein and femoral artery during an hour-long, minimally invasive outpatient procedure. This mechanical approach sets it apart from other hypertension devices that work by targeting the sympathetic nervous system.
Therapies such as Medtronic’s renal denervation system selectively disable nerves within the sympathetic nervous system in order to lower the electrical stimulation of other parts of the SNS, including the heart and blood vessels. But these may only work in younger patients and can take a long time to produce effects, Rox Medical said in a statement.
Apple Tree Partners and Novartis Venture Fund led the round. Existing investors Versant Ventures and Domain Associates also participated.
"ROX has the potential to solve many challenges with their revolutionary device by providing instantaneous and predictable outcomes for patients and physicians. The company is now well-positioned for success in this late clinical phase of development,” said David McIntyre, partner at Apple Tree Partners, in the statement.