Akura Medical Company Profile

Background

Overview

Akura Medical, a privately held company based in Los Gatos, California, specializes in developing innovative solutions for venous thromboembolism (VTE), a condition encompassing deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE). The company's flagship product, the Katana™ Thrombectomy System, is designed to efficiently remove diverse clot types, aiming to enhance patient outcomes in VTE treatment.

Mission and Vision

Akura Medical is dedicated to reshaping the landscape of VTE care by providing effective and user-friendly thrombectomy solutions. The company's vision is to make a significant impact on the lives of patients worldwide by advancing the standards of pulmonary embolism treatment.

Industry Significance

VTE is a leading cause of cardiovascular death in the United States, with an estimated 900,000 cases annually and 60,000-100,000 deaths per year. Akura Medical's focus on developing advanced thrombectomy devices addresses a critical need in the medical community for more effective and efficient treatments for this condition.

Key Strategic Focus

Core Objectives

Akura Medical aims to develop and commercialize thrombectomy devices that simplify procedures, improve efficiency, and enhance patient outcomes in the treatment of VTE.

Areas of Specialization

The company specializes in the design and development of mechanical thrombectomy devices, focusing on innovative technologies that address the challenges associated with clot removal in VTE patients.

Key Technologies Utilized

Katana™ Thrombectomy System: An intelligent thrombectomy system designed to remove diverse clot types, optimize catheter delivery, and provide supplementary intraoperative feedback.

NavIQ™ Quantification Software: A software tool designed to convert CT angiograms into 3D models of the pulmonary vasculature, aiding in pre-procedural planning and clot characterization.

Primary Markets Targeted

Akura Medical primarily targets healthcare providers in vascular and pulmonary care, focusing on clinicians seeking advanced thrombectomy solutions to improve patient care.

Financials and Funding

Funding History

Akura Medical has secured significant funding to support its development initiatives:

Series A1 Financing: In January 2022, the company closed a $25 million Series A1 financing round, led by Cormorant Asset Management, with participation from The Capital Partnership (TCP), PA MedTech VC Fund, and Shifamed angel investors.

Series B Financing: In October 2023, Akura Medical closed a $35 million Series B financing round, led by The Capital Partnership and Cormorant Asset Management, with significant participation from PA MedTech VC Fund, AMED Ventures, Lilly Asia Ventures, Unorthodox Ventures, and Shifamed angel investors.

Series C Financing: In December 2025, the company secured a $53 million first close in Series C financing, led by Qatar Investment Authority (QIA), with participation from current investors. Part of the funds are allocated to establish a joint venture in Qatar.

Utilization of Capital

The funds raised are intended to:

Support the development of the Katana™ Thrombectomy System and NavIQ™ quantification software.

Complete enrollment in the QUADRA-PE clinical trial.

Facilitate regulatory submissions.

Establish a joint venture in Qatar.

Pipeline Development

Key Pipeline Candidates

Katana™ Thrombectomy System: An intelligent thrombectomy system designed to remove diverse clot types, optimize catheter delivery, and provide supplementary intraoperative feedback.

NavIQ™ Quantification Software: A software tool designed to convert CT angiograms into 3D models of the pulmonary vasculature, aiding in pre-procedural planning and clot characterization.

Stages of Development

Katana™ Thrombectomy System: In the research and development phase, with plans to apply for FDA 510(k) clearance.

NavIQ™ Quantification Software: In development, intended to assist in pre-procedural planning and clot characterization.

Target Conditions

Both products target venous thromboembolism (VTE), including deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE).

Anticipated Milestones

Katana™ Thrombectomy System: FDA 510(k) clearance application.

NavIQ™ Quantification Software: Completion of development and integration with clinical workflows.

Technological Platform and Innovation

Proprietary Technologies

Katana™ Thrombectomy System: Features high-velocity intersecting jets within a 12-French catheter, combining aspiration and clot maceration to improve performance and prevent clogging.

NavIQ™ Quantification Software: Converts CT angiograms into 3D models of the pulmonary vasculature, aiding in pre-procedural planning and clot characterization.

Significant Scientific Methods

Clot Removal Technology: Utilizes intersecting jets for efficient removal of mixed morphology clots.

Hemodynamic Monitoring: Incorporates pressure sensors to provide real-time hemodynamic data, reducing the guesswork around case progress.

Leadership Team

Key Executives

Amr Salahieh: Chair and Acting Chief Executive Officer.

Murali Srivathsa: President and Chief Executive Officer.

Gautam Kainth: Managing Director, The Capital Partnership.

Professional Backgrounds and Contributions

Amr Salahieh: Founder of Shifamed LLC, a medical innovation hub, and serves as Chair and Acting CEO of Akura Medical.

Murali Srivathsa: Serves as President and CEO of Akura Medical, leading the company's strategic direction and operations.

Gautam Kainth: Managing Director at The Capital Partnership, leading the investment firm that participated in Akura Medical's Series B financing.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The VTE treatment market is significant, with an estimated 900,000 cases annually in the U.S. and 60,000-100,000 deaths per year. The market is characterized by a need for more efficient and effective thrombectomy devices to improve patient outcomes.

Competitor Analysis

Boston Scientific: Offers the AngioJet™ Thrombectomy System, a mechanical thrombectomy device designed to remove thrombus from vessels.

Medtronic: Provides the Solitaire™ FR Revascularization Device, a stent retriever used in thrombectomy procedures.

Penumbra: Develops the Indigo™ System, a mechanical thrombectomy device for clot removal.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

Akura Medical has established partnerships with investors such as The Capital Partnership, Cormorant Asset Management, PA MedTech VC Fund, AMED Ventures, Lilly Asia Ventures, Unorthodox Ventures, and Shifamed angel investors to support its development initiatives.

Operational Insights

Akura Medical's integrated approach, combining in-house manufacturing with a focus on innovative thrombectomy technologies, positions it to address the limitations of existing treatments and meet the needs of healthcare providers seeking advanced solutions for VTE.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

Strategic Roadmap

Akura Medical plans to advance the development of its thrombectomy devices, seek regulatory approvals, and expand its market presence to offer effective solutions for VTE treatment.

Future Business Directions

The company aims to enhance its product portfolio, establish strategic partnerships,

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