
InfraReDx Inc. drummed up $21 million in an equity offering, aiming to get its arterial plaque imaging system to market in the U.S.
The Burlington, Mass.-based company makes the LipiScan IVUS coronary imaging system, which combines intravascular ultrasound and near-infrared spectroscopy to detect lipid core plaque in the heart’s blood vessels. The data enables cardiologists to both visualize coronary plaques to guide stent placement and determine whether the build-ups are comprised of the fatty plaques that complicate stenting procedures and patients’ recovery .
The funding round involved new and existing investors, including previous backer Sanderling Ventures, according to a press release.
Last month InfraReDx won 510(k) clearance from the Food & Drug Administration for the IVUS system, saying it’s aiming for a commercial launch of the imaging system in the U.S. later this year and is hoping for CE Mark approval in Europe in 2011.
Founder and CEO Dr. James Muller said the funding round means the company will reach those goals.
“Our full commercial launch will bring this important and eagerly awaited interventional imaging technology to leading catheterization labs in the U.S. this year. It will be available in Europe in 2011,” Muller said in prepared remarks.