NEW HOPE, PA — Orchestra BioMed Holdings, Inc. (Nasdaq: OBIO) has announced the appointment of Vivek Reddy, M.D., as Executive Chairman of the BACKBEAT Study Steering Committee and Chairman of its Bioelectronic Therapies Scientific Advisory Board. Dr. Reddy, a globally recognized expert in cardiovascular innovation, will provide critical leadership in advancing the company’s pioneering atrioventricular interval modulation (AVIM) therapy through its global pivotal BACKBEAT study.
The Significance of the BACKBEAT Study
The BACKBEAT study is evaluating AVIM therapy as a treatment for patients with uncontrolled hypertension who also require a pacemaker. This device-based therapy offers an “always-on” approach to lowering blood pressure, bypassing the need for patient adherence to traditional medication regimens. Hypertension remains one of the world’s most pressing health challenges, affecting hundreds of millions globally and significantly increasing cardiovascular risks.
Dr. Reddy highlighted the therapy’s potential, stating, “I believe strongly in the transformative potential of AVIM therapy to help address uncontrolled hypertension in populations with increased cardiovascular risk such as the pacemaker-indicated patients we are focusing on in the BACKBEAT study. Hypertension is a critical global health challenge affecting hundreds of millions of patients worldwide. For patients with increased cardiovascular risk, the prospect of integrating an always-on, adjustable hypertension treatment that doesn’t rely on patient adherence is truly exciting. I am dedicated to driving the successful completion of the BACKBEAT study and synchronizing efforts among Orchestra BioMed’s clinical advisors to fully realize the potential of AVIM therapy for hypertension populations with increased cardiovascular risk. I’m also excited about exploring other therapeutic applications for which we believe there is potential utility for this novel technology.”
Dr. Reddy’s Contributions and Vision
Bringing extensive experience in cardiac rhythm management and electrophysiology, Dr. Reddy serves as the Director of Cardiac Arrhythmia Services at The Mount Sinai Fuster Heart Hospital and holds leadership roles within the Mount Sinai Health System and the Icahn School of Medicine. His groundbreaking work includes contributions to catheter ablation, leadless pacemakers, and device therapies for stroke prevention.
David Hochman, Chairman, CEO, and Founder of Orchestra BioMed, welcomed Dr. Reddy’s elevated role, commenting, “We are thrilled to have Dr. Vivek Reddy assume these key leadership roles to help drive successful completion of the BACKBEAT global pivotal study and maximize the clinical value AVIM therapy can potentially offer to patients with uncontrolled hypertension worldwide. While Dr. Reddy has been a long-standing advisor to this exciting program, his expanded role will allow him to further engage in establishing awareness of AVIM therapy in the clinical community and drive effective communication across our distinguished team of clinical advisors.”
Broadening Bioelectronic Innovation
Dr. Reddy’s appointment also aligns with Orchestra BioMed’s ongoing efforts to broaden its pipeline of bioelectronic therapies beyond hypertension. The company aims to leverage AVIM technology for additional cardiovascular conditions, such as heart failure, while maintaining its focus on creating groundbreaking device-based treatment options.
Looking Ahead
This pivotal leadership shift spotlights Orchestra BioMed’s goal of revolutionizing hypertension treatment and advancing bioelectronic therapies. With the BACKBEAT study progressing and a strong advocate at the helm, AVIM therapy’s potential to transform cardiovascular care is closer to realization. The company’s innovations signal a promising future in addressing critical health challenges worldwide.
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