For the more than 320 million people worldwide living with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), the concern about flare ups and the resulting labored breathing is an everyday burden. In fact, just anticipating one of these frightening episodes can be enough to leave sufferers reticent to leave their homes.
The resulting isolation can lead to depression, which can cause a downward spiral where their mental health is affected as acutely as their physical. This cycle is what Ryme Medical intends to help avoid, with its device designed to relieve symptoms and give patients more confidence to go about their daily activities.
Promising results are a breath of fresh air
COPD is a debilitating condition in which chronic inflammation of the lung airways leads to difficulty breathing, and many patients today aren’t finding adequate relief from existing medications and therapies. That’s where Ryme Medical’s catheter-based therapy seeks to reduce symptoms, eventually improving long-term outcomes in patients with COPD.
Ryme has recently completed enrollment of a feasibility study involving 55 patients at seven sites in Europe and Australia. “We are very enthusiastic about the data we are seeing as the patients move through follow up,” said Paul Andreotti, president and CEO “We were also encouraged by the feedback from the physicians using the device, who are very excited about the therapy, particularly its simplicity and how swift the procedure is.”
The next step on the path to regulatory approval is a pivotal study in the U.S. and Europe, which will involve the top pulmonologists in the world. “Ryme’s incredible team has allowed us to move rapidly through the development process as well as design and execute the feasibility study,” said Andreotti. Ryme Medical recently added Jay Donosky , senior clinical director to its seven-person team, with plans to hire additional talent later this year as they move through the FDA approval process.
The promising therapy has attracted investors that include Epidarex Capital, Seroba Life Sciences and Santé Ventures.
Ryme supported by Fogarty’s expertise
Fogarty has played an important role throughout Ryme’s journey. By manufacturing the technology at the Fogarty lab, the company was able to control costs related to materials and infrastructure, as well as tap the expertise of the Fogarty team, including Jesus Magana who made significant contributions in building the product.
Andreotti also cited the incredible benefits of working with Gayle Kuokka and Mariela Baughman, who serves as CFO and director of finance, respectively, in addition to Greg Bakan prior to his retirement. “Their insight and mentorship have been critical to our growth, and we are excited for our next chapter.”