Calgary-based Fluid Biomed, a medtech startup developing the world’s first bioabsorbable brain stent, has secured $27 million USD in Series A funding.
The round was co-led by Amplitude Ventures and an undisclosed major strategic medical investor, with participation from LifeArc Ventures (UK), IAG Capital Partners (US), and existing backers ShangBay Capital and METIS Innovative.
Transforming Brain Aneurysm Treatment
Founded in 2012 by Dr. John Wong and Dr. Alim Mitha, two neurosurgeons and University of Calgary professors, Fluid Biomed is developing a revolutionary stent designed to treat brain aneurysms. Unlike traditional metal stents, Fluid Biomed’s stent is primarily made of bioabsorbable polymer with a small portion of metal. This allows the stent to:
- Dissolve over time, reducing long-term complications.
- Improve blood vessel healing.
- Enable clearer imaging (CT/MRI scans) compared to pure metal stents.
The stent is installed non-invasively through blood vessels using catheters, offering an alternative to risky surgical procedures or permanent stents that require lifelong blood thinners.
Dr. John Wong, CEO, explained: “Our stent combines the strength of metal with the flexibility and absorbability of polymers, revolutionizing treatment for brain aneurysms while addressing key limitations of existing devices.”
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Accelerating Clinical Trials
The Series A funding will support expanded human clinical studies, including an early feasibility trial and a European clinical study in 2025. These efforts are a critical step toward securing regulatory approval from Health Canada, the US FDA, and other authorities.
Support from Leading Investors
Amplitude Ventures praised Fluid Biomed’s groundbreaking innovation. Jean-Francois Pariseau, Partner at Amplitude, stated: “Fluid Biomed’s bioabsorbable technology addresses a significant unmet need, and their progress in human trials demonstrates the immense potential to transform aneurysm care.”
Next Steps Toward Commercialization
Fluid Biomed views this funding as pivotal in advancing to larger patient trials and eventual commercialization. The startup’s stent technology could also have applications in cardiovascular care, presenting long-term opportunities beyond neurology.
With this investment, Fluid Biomed is on track to deliver a safer, more effective solution for brain aneurysms, providing hope for millions of patients worldwide.
