R3 Vascular has obtained investigational device exemption (IDE) approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to commence its ELITE-BTK pivotal trial. This trial will assess the Magnitude drug-eluting bioresorbable scaffold for treating below-the-knee (BTK) peripheral arterial disease (PAD). The study aims to address the critical need for improved therapies for patients with chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI).
Magnitude Scaffold: A Novel Approach to BTK PAD
The Magnitude scaffold represents a next-generation bioresorbable technology designed to tackle the challenges of BTK PAD. Constructed from an ultra-high molecular weight polylactic acid polymer, the scaffold is engineered for optimal flexibility, strength, and biocompatibility. The sirolimus-coated scaffold is designed to gradually absorb into the tissue, leaving a naturally functioning vessel behind.
Christopher M Owens, president and chief executive officer of R3 Vascular, stated, "We are pleased to have FDA approval for our ELITE-BTK pivotal trial, thus allowing enrolment to begin for our next-generation Magnitude scaffold. This will enable R3 Vascular to follow-up on our positive first-in-human RESOLV1 study data, which demonstrated excellent and promising results with 96% patency by DUS [Duplex ultrasound scanning] at six months."
ELITE-BTK Trial Design and Objectives
The ELITE-BTK trial is set to begin in Q1 2025 and will involve up to 60 clinical sites globally, enrolling 264 subjects. The trial's primary objective is to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the Magnitude scaffold in patients with CLTI due to BTK PAD. Successful completion of the trial is intended to support a premarket approval (PMA) application to the FDA.
Eric Secemsky (Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, USA), the lead investigator for the ELITE-BTK pivotal trial, commented, "This is a much-anticipated trial given the advancements and advantages of this next-generation technology, which has the potential to transform the field of peripheral interventions. We look forward to evaluating the impact of Magnitude on patient outcomes and its ability to meet this growing clinical need."
The Burden of PAD and the Need for Innovation
PAD affects a significant portion of the population, with the US National Institutes of Health (NIH) estimating that 8 to 12 million people in the United States are affected, primarily those over 50. GlobalData epidemiologists estimate there were 18,386,656 diagnosed prevalent cases of PAD globally in 2023, which are expected to grow to 18,751,586 cases by this year. CLTI, a severe form of PAD, poses a significant threat to limb health and overall patient well-being. The development of innovative therapies like the Magnitude scaffold is crucial to addressing this growing clinical need.
Financial Backing and Future Plans
R3 Vascular's efforts are supported by substantial financial investment. In May 2024, the company announced the closing of an $87 million Series B financing round. These funds are earmarked for the ELITE-BTK IDE pivotal trial, further research and development, global regulatory submissions, scaling up manufacturing processes, and initial commercialization efforts.
