HighLife raises nearly 80 million euros

The French company HighLife, which develops a catheter-based mitral valve replacement system without major surgery, announced it has raised more than 80 million euros.

These funds will reportedly accelerate HighLife's commercial deployment in Europe and continue its clinical development program in the United States, as stated in a press release by the startup founded in 2010. The funding round was jointly led by Sofinnova Partners, Andera Partners, Supernova Invest, and Mérieux Equity Partners, with participation from other investors.

In January, the company based in Paris obtained CE marking, a prerequisite for any medical device commercialization within the European Union, for its system that replaces a heart valve using a catheter introduced via the femoral artery, enabling a targeted commercial launch in Europe.

In July, HighLife also received CE marking for its next-generation mitral valve (Clarity). At the same time, it launched a clinical study in the United States, where it also has a site in California. Several French companies are dedicated to cardiovascular medical devices, such as Carvolix and CorWave.

As for the pioneer of the artificial heart, Carmat, which was liquidated earlier this year, it no longer exists as a listed company but continues its activities under a new entity.

Reported by Maddyness.