BioVentrix Appoints Raymond W. Cohen as Board Chairman

BioVentrix Inc., a privately held medical device company focused on treating congestive heart failure via transcatheter ventricular restoration (TCVR), has appointed Raymond W. Cohen as board chairman and named Rinda K. Sama and Andrew G. Hinson to its Board of Directors.
 
Cohen has more than 40 years’ experience leading and guiding a variety of private and publicly traded life science companies as an executive and board member. Cohen, an accredited public company director, currently serves as the CEO and member of the board of directors of Axonics Inc.

“This is an important time in the company’s history. BioVentrix has an accomplished and experienced CEO in Jim Dillon who now has a number of industry experts to provide support and guidance as the company seeks to complete its PMA study, gain FDA approval and execute a successful IPO,” said Cohen.

The additions of Sama and Hinson brings the total of independent medical device industry experts on the BioVentrix board to six, including CEO Jim Dillon and current board members, Steve Healy and George Fazio.
 
Hinson currently serves as a member of the board of directors at BioLife Solutions Inc. Hinson has more than 30 years’ experience in pharmaceutical, biotechnology and medical device development that includes specific expertise in congestive heart failure, clinical research and development, regulatory affairs, and business development. Hinson earned a bachelor of science degree in biological sciences from the University of Cincinnati.
 
Sama currently serves as the chief operating officer of Axonics Inc. Sama has more than 20 years’ experience in medical devices and is an expert in manufacturing and operations, as well as worldwide regulatory affairs. Sama earned an M.S. in biomedical engineering from the University of Southern California and an MBA from the University of California, Irvine.
 
Dillon commented, “The Revivent TC system, which has achieved Breakthrough Designation by the U.S. FDA, is designed to treat congestive heart failure (CHF) patients with an enlarged left ventricle for which, until now, there has been no treatment. Clinical results continue to be impressive and reimbursement is already in place. We believe the combination of these factors will allow for a highly successful commercialization and rapid adoption in the United States.”
 
Cardiomyopathy represents a collection of diverse conditions of the heart muscle. These diseases have many causes, and symptoms that affect people of all ages and races. When cardiomyopathy occurs, the normal muscle in the heart can thicken, stiffen, thin out, or fill with substances the body produces that do not belong in the heart. As a result, the heart muscle’s ability to pump blood is reduced, which can lead to an irregular heart rhythm, the backup of blood into the lungs or rest of the body, and death. Cardiomyopathy can be acquired—developed because of another disease, condition, or factor—or inherited. The cause is not always known.
 
BioVentrix is headquartered in San Ramon, Calif. The company’s mission is to treat patients with congestive heart failure caused by dilated cardiomyopathy. BioVentrix’s Revivent TC system received the CE Mark and is currently pending U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval in the United States.