Alleviant Medical, Inc. has achieved two significant milestones in its mission to treat heart failure. The FDA has granted the company an investigational device exemption (IDE) to commence a pivotal trial for patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) and has awarded its no-implant atrial shunt technology breakthrough status for this patient population.
The company's atrial shunt technology, designed to alleviate excess pressure in the heart without leaving a permanent implant, will now be investigated for both HFrEF and heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). The ALLAY-HFrEF trial is set to begin enrolling approximately 350 randomized patients globally in early 2025.
ALLAY-HFrEF Trial Details
The ALLAY-HFrEF trial will assess the safety and effectiveness of the Alleviant System in heart failure patients with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF ≤ 40%) who remain symptomatic despite guideline-directed medical therapy (GDMT). The trial features an adaptive design and will be led by Dr. Gregg Stone and Dr. James Udelson.
"We are fortunate to have the results from a prior study that demonstrated substantial clinical benefits in high-risk HFrEF patients with an implanted permanent atrial shunt. These findings informed the design of the ALLAY-HFrEF trial, which is testing a novel device that creates an atrial shunt and leaves no permanent implant behind," said Dr. Stone.
Addressing Unmet Needs in Heart Failure
Heart failure affects over 26 million individuals globally and remains a leading cause of mortality and hospitalizations. Current treatment options often fall short of adequately addressing the needs of these patients.
"Despite progress in treatment options, chronic heart failure remains one of the greatest unmet clinical needs for millions of patients who suffer deeply and whose lives are often cut short by the condition," said Dr. Udelson. "As we follow the science and expand the evidence base for patients with different ejection fractions, we have the potential to improve clinical outcomes as well as quality of life for millions."
Alleviant's Broader Strategy
Alleviant Medical is currently the only company operating two pivotal trials informed by prior sham-controlled atrial shunt trials, pursuing FDA approval across the spectrum of heart failure. The company has an ongoing global clinical trial in HFpEF, ALLAY-HF, and is now initiating ALLAY-HFrEF. To support these efforts, Alleviant Medical has secured $90 million in financing, led by Gilde Healthcare, to fund its second pivotal trial. The Alleviant System is designed to relieve excess pressure buildup within the heart by creating a connection between the left and right atrial chambers through a one-time procedure that leaves no permanent implant behind.
