Business Wire10.13.16
Ra Medical Systems Inc., a private medical device company developing excimer laser treatment for cardiovascular and dermatological diseases, has received CE Marking approval for both the DABRA atherectomy system with catheter, and the Pharos excimer laser to treat psoriasis, vitiligo and other skin diseases.
Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a circulatory condition characterized by narrowing of the peripheral arteries resulting in limited blood supply to the stomach, legs, arms, and head. This disease is similar to coronary artery disease in its nature and prevalence worldwide. In 2015 the American Heart Association estimated that about 200 million people have PAD. Atherectomy is the removal of the plaque from the arteries, and it differs from angioplasty in which the plaque is not removed and is a minimally invasive endovascular way to treat patients with PAD. It is well reimbursed because of the benefits to the patients. Technavio recently reported that favorable reimbursement will drive growth of atherectomy by 6 percent per year through 2020.
“This is a major step forward for Ra Medical,” said co-founder and CEO Dean Irwin. “Providing physicians with a safe, easy-to-use device that removes all types of plaque quickly is something my colleagues and I have been working on for over a quarter of a century. CE Marking approval enables physicians around the world to choose the DABRA system that may be safer and more effective for their patients than other treatments. The DABRA’s economics may increase patient access for therapy.”
The first DABRA cases in Europe are expected to be performed this year. Ra Medical is currently nearing completion of its IDE study to support U.S. Food and Drug Administration clearance.
Carlsbad, Calif.-based Ra Medical Systems was founded in 2002 to commercialize excimer lasers for the treatment of dermatologic and cardiovascular diseases. Its flagship product, Pharos, launched in 2004 and revolutionized the dermatology world with its technology and game-changing business model.
Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a circulatory condition characterized by narrowing of the peripheral arteries resulting in limited blood supply to the stomach, legs, arms, and head. This disease is similar to coronary artery disease in its nature and prevalence worldwide. In 2015 the American Heart Association estimated that about 200 million people have PAD. Atherectomy is the removal of the plaque from the arteries, and it differs from angioplasty in which the plaque is not removed and is a minimally invasive endovascular way to treat patients with PAD. It is well reimbursed because of the benefits to the patients. Technavio recently reported that favorable reimbursement will drive growth of atherectomy by 6 percent per year through 2020.
“This is a major step forward for Ra Medical,” said co-founder and CEO Dean Irwin. “Providing physicians with a safe, easy-to-use device that removes all types of plaque quickly is something my colleagues and I have been working on for over a quarter of a century. CE Marking approval enables physicians around the world to choose the DABRA system that may be safer and more effective for their patients than other treatments. The DABRA’s economics may increase patient access for therapy.”
The first DABRA cases in Europe are expected to be performed this year. Ra Medical is currently nearing completion of its IDE study to support U.S. Food and Drug Administration clearance.
Carlsbad, Calif.-based Ra Medical Systems was founded in 2002 to commercialize excimer lasers for the treatment of dermatologic and cardiovascular diseases. Its flagship product, Pharos, launched in 2004 and revolutionized the dermatology world with its technology and game-changing business model.