AerWave Medical completed its first-in-human feasibility study of a novel ultrasound lung denervation therapy for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma. The study, involving five patients, confirmed the feasibility and efficiency of AerWave’s ultrasound platform, which simplifies lung denervation by eliminating the need for fluoroscopic guidance, esophageal marker balloons, and multiple catheter exchanges. The company also secured $12 million in funding led by Lucius Partners.
This successful first-in-human trial signifies a potential breakthrough in treating COPD and asthma. Current radiofrequency-based lung denervation methods, while showing promise, are complex and pose safety and efficacy limitations. AerWave’s technology addresses these issues with a single-shot circumferential ablation procedure, avoiding sensitive areas like peri-esophageal nerves. This less invasive approach, combined with the elimination of fluoroscopy and other ancillary devices, could lead to wider adoption of lung denervation and ultimately, better patient outcomes. The substantial funding further solidifies the company’s position and potential to disrupt the respiratory care market.
AerWave’s ultrasound platform delivers precise circumferential ablation in a single energy application, reducing airway smooth muscle constriction and targeting the underlying causes of COPD and asthma. The universal catheter design accommodates diverse airway anatomies. This platform technology also extends to conformal lung tumor ablation (LTA) and lung volume reduction (LVR), offering a less invasive alternative to current surgical procedures. These additional applications further diversify AerWave’s potential market impact and create opportunities for future growth.
The successful feasibility study, coupled with the influx of new funding, positions AerWave Medical to accelerate the development and clinical validation of its ultrasound technology. This could usher in a new era in interventional pulmonology, offering a more precise, efficient, and potentially safer approach to treating respiratory diseases and potentially expanding treatment options for lung cancer and emphysema. AerWave is actively pursuing strategic partnerships to further advance its technology.
Jon Napitupulu is Director of Media Relations at The Clinical Trial Vanguard. Jon, a computer data scientist, focuses on the latest clinical trial industry news and trends.
