Abiomed invests $100M in clinical research for heart pump

Abiomed announced that it has invested more than $100 million in clinical research in the past 5 years in its heart pump platform for the treatment of cardiogenic shock, high-risk PCI and right-side support.

Clinical research performed during the past 5 years that focused on the heart pump (Impella) include postmarket surveillance programs, 10 attempted or completed randomized controlled trials, six FDA studies and partnerships with leading academic institutions, according to a press release from the company.

Clinical research has been supported by 2 decades of independent research initiatives led by physicians and more than 500 peer-reviewed academic papers, according to the press release. Results from these studies confirm the hemodynamic benefits of the heart pump, which has been included in eight clinical guidelines. The heart pump has also received the highest level of regulatory approval from the FDA.

“A commitment to clinical research is ingrained in Abiomed’s culture because of our commitment to providing health care providers and patients with the highest-quality devices, most cost-effective solutions and best practices for improving outcomes,” Seth Bilazarian, MD, chief medical officer for Abiomed, said in the press prelease. “Our patients are the motivation for all we do, and the goal of our industry-leading clinical research program is to help more patients recover their native hearts and go home to their families.”

There are currently two randomized controlled trials underway in 2019 in addition to the collection, monitoring and analysis of data for various databases and studies, according to the press release.

Disclosure: Bilazarian is an employee of Abiomed.