Advanced NanoTherapies Enrolls First Patients, Receives Additional Funding for Study of SirPlux Duo DCBs

August 22, 2023—Advanced NanoTherapies Inc. (ANT) announced two milestones in the development of its SirPlux Duo drug-coated balloon (DCB) for the treatment of de novo coronary artery disease (CAD): (1) the first 10 patients were enrolled in ADVANCE-DCB, and (2) additional Series A funding for the development of their DCB was secured.

According to the company, the SirPlux Duo DCB combines sirolimus and paclitaxel, and delivers low-dose, long-term release of both compounds to inhibit cell growth. The ANT nanoparticle drug-encapsulation and delivery platform is designed to provide safe, reliable, and sustained bioavailability of the two synergistic drugs in tissue.

ANT reported that the first cohort of patients in the company’s ADVANCE-DCB clinical trial were treated successfully. The first-in-human trial is evaluating the safety and performance of the SirPlux Duo for CAD.

“I am pleased to be part of the initial cases of ANT's novel technology,” commented Rishi Puri, MD, PhD, in the company’s press release. “This technology will allow me to offer a safe and prolonged therapy for preventing coronary restenosis without leaving a permanent implant behind.” Dr. Puri is a study investigator for ADVANCE-DCB, and a Coronary and Structural Heart Interventional Cardiologist at the Cleveland Clinic's Heart, Vascular and Thoracic Institute, in Cleveland, Ohio.

The company said the additional $4M Series A extension was provided by an undisclosed medical device company.

“I welcome the participation of a new strategic partner as this additional investment will bolster ANT's clinical programs and accelerate the path toward United States investigation device exemption approval for the SirPlux Duo DCB. I also thank the entire clinical team and ANT's scientific advisory board for their efforts and expertise to reach these important milestones for the company,” commented ANT cofounder and CEO Marwan Berrada in the company’s press release.