ValveXchange is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. John Parrish as Chairman of the Board.
Mr. Parrish has been a Director of ValveXchange since 2008. His appointment as Chairman reflects the company´s continued growth toward commercialization of its novel 2-part heart valve technology.
During his 30-year career, Mr. Parrish has founded six healthcare product companies, guided multiple M&A and IPO events, and managed over 20 fundraising campaigns. His ventures include (i) VitalMetrics, Inc., open-heart surgery instruments, acquired by AFG, Inc., (ii) Intramed Laboratories, Inc., endoscopes and MIS tools, acquired by Baxter, (iii) ISTA Pharmaceuticals, now the world´s fourth largest ophthalmic pharmaceutical company, and (iv) Angiosyn, Inc., developer of an antiangiogenic biologic, acquired by Pfizer. He is currently Co-founder, President and CEO of BioVascular, Inc., developing a biologic for intimal hyperplasia and small molecule for reducing platelet production.
As Chairman, Mr. Parrish will lead fundraising for ValveXchange, working with Mr. Larry Blankenship, the Company´s President and CEO. He will also help build and support key business relationships as the Company moves toward commercialization of its heart valve products.
Mr. Blankenship said, "We are extremely pleased to have John take a more active role as we move into formal clinical trials leading to market launch. His experience in medical product commercialization and mergers and acquisitions fits ValveXchange well at this stage."
The ValveXchange® technology was invented by company founder and noted heart valve scientist Dr. Ivan Vesely. Dr. Vesely said, "John Parrish is a master of corporate relations. His new role as Chairman is exactly what the Company needs as we begin to commercialize our products and take market share from existing heart valve manufacturers."
Having completed successful First-In-Man clinical studies in 2011, ValveXchange® will begin clinical trials in Europe in 2012, with approval expected in 2013.
About ValveXchange, Inc.:
ValveXchange, Inc. is focused on developing the "future of heart valve therapy." The ValveXchange two-part architecture represents the first-of-its-kind "serviceable" bioprosthetic heart valve. By offering periodic, minimally-invasive exchange of worn-out leaflets, patients of all ages can enjoy a full, active lifestyle, avoiding a mechanical valve and its associated warfarin anticoagulation therapy.
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS: This document includes statements which reflect management´s views, but which may not occur as expected, or at all.
