In Brief: Abiomed
This article was originally published in The Gray Sheet
Executive Summary
Abiomed: Receives $100,000 National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases grant under the Small Business Innovation Research Program to develop a "laser-assisted tissue welding technique" that could act as an "alternative to conventional suture tying in bladder augmentation procedures," the firm announces June 9. Initial studies being conducted by the Danvers, Massachusetts-based firm will examine how to optimize laser use in urological tissue repair; later studies will focus on tissue healing characteristics. Abiomed also recently received a two-year grant worth "approximately $550,000" from the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute for the completion of "development and pre-clinical testing" of a pulsatile cardiac assist pump "for temporary support of pediatric patients." The grant will allow Abiomed to complete product development prior to commencement of clinical trials. Initial clinical applications are planned for "cases involving post-operative support of neonates subsequent to the correction of congenital heart defects, and in children with cardiopulmonary compromise secondary to severe heart disease," the firm says...