The European Investment Bank (EIB) has provided €20 million in venture debt financing to German medical technology start-up Protembis to support the development of their ProtEmbo embolism protection system. The system is designed to prevent embolism particles from entering the arteries supplying the brain during cardiac procedures such as transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI), reducing the risk of strokes or cognitive impairments.
The financing, supported by the InvestEU programme, aims to stimulate investment in new technologies across Europe. Protembis plans to use the funds for clinical trials, research, development, and market launch of the ProtEmbo system. The company’s Managing Directors expressed gratitude for the support received.
TAVI is a minimally invasive procedure for replacing a narrowed aortic valve, with an increasing number of patients expected to undergo the procedure globally by 2025. The risk of embolic particles reaching the brain during the procedure can lead to serious complications like strokes. ProtEmbo offers a solution by filtering out these particles, protecting the brain and reducing the risk of adverse outcomes.
Protembis closed a Series B financing round of 30 million euros in March 2024 to further advance clinical trials for the ProtEmbo system. The system is delivered via the left radial artery and is designed to shield the brain vessels during TAVI procedures. By offering a simple and reliable solution to protect against brain injuries during cardiac procedures, Protembis aims to improve patient outcomes and reduce healthcare costs associated with such complications.
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