VICORA INC.
Novel clot removal device moves closer to market
Vicora, Inc., a Buffalo-based medical device startup, is developing an innovative catheter that enables interventional cardiologists and interventional radiologists to more effectively break up and remove difficult blood clots from the lungs and legs. The company has accelerated commercialization of this novel clot removal device with support from UB including incubator space, funding, clinical expertise and startup resources. Currently, Vicora is working to advance the technology toward FDA approval.
How Vicora collaborates with UB
Accelerates R&D
Occupies Lab Space
Collaborates with Experts
Obtains Funding
Operates Tax Free
Receives Mentorship
CHALLENGE & OPPORTUNITY
Clogged catheters slow stroke treatment
To treat a vascular disease such as pulmonary embolisms and deep vein thrombosis, a thin catheter is threaded into the blood vessel to suction out the blood clot. However, the procedure is only effective in a fraction of cases because the catheter tip often becomes clogged by the clot. The clot can also break into smaller particles that travel throughout the patient’s circulatory system, causing additional risks and complications. Other device manufacturers have tried to solve for catheter deficiencies by increasing bore size or suction power but attempts to date have been either detrimental or insufficient. In a novel approach, Vicora is developing a new catheter equipped to help surgeons remove more of the clot to improve treatment and patient outcomes.
SOLUTION & OUTCOME
Vibrating catheter tip disrupts and removes blood clots
Vicora has developed the world’s first catheter with an integrated distal tip that vibrates to break clots into finer specks, allowing more of the clot to be suctioned into the catheter and preventing clot fragments from circulating to other parts of the body. Vicora has filed several patents, obtained an exclusive worldwide supply agreement on the core technology, and is advancing through device development, test methods and animal testing at the Jacobs Institute and UB in preparation for FDA submission.
UB SUPPORT
Lab space and support to accelerate commercialization
UB’s Business and Entrepreneur Partnerships has helped Vicora advance this life-saving technology through a number of resources. The company’s early device prototyping took place in UB BEP’s Center of Excellence in Bioinformatics and Life Sciences (CBLS) incubator lab space. The Center for Advanced Technology in Big Data and Health Sciences (UB CAT) awarded Vicora $300,000 to co-fund prototype development, benchmarking and animal testing. The company has also collaborated with UB faculty experts at UB’s Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences to fine-tune practical applications of the device. Vicora recently raised a $3.6 million funding round to support device development as it moves toward FDA approval and commercialization.
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