Cohen has more than 40 years of experience in the life sciences industry and currently serves as CEO of Axonics, a company he cofounded that makes neuromodulation systems for treating urinary and bowel dysfunction. Boston Scientific bought Axonics in January for over $3 billion. He also serves as an independent director for SoniVie and BiVACOR.
“Ray is one of the most experienced and accomplished leaders in the medical device industry with multiple decades of success in developing and commercializing emerging medical technologies. Mr. Cohen’s extensive experience in the external defibrillation field and commercial growth strategies will be invaluable to the Kestra team. His track record of strategic exits for both public and private companies, including Axonics’ successful IPO and shareholder value creation as a public entity will accrue to our benefit as we envision the future of Kestra. On behalf of the Kestra stakeholders, we are delighted to welcome him on the board of Kestra,” Kestra President and CEO Brian Webster said in a news release.
Kirkland, Washington-based Kestra Medical, which develops wearable cardiac diagnostic and monitoring devices recently closed a $196 million funding round to support the expansion of the commercial organization and continue working toward its mission of protecting at-risk patients with its wearable cardioverter defibrillator.
“Kestra has a world-class wearable defibrillator product and is poised to compete aggressively in this former monopoly market which is estimated to be in the $1B revenue range. I am looking forward to sharing my experience with Kestra and supporting Mr. Webster and team as they strive to reach their goal of market leadership in the WCD arena,” Cohen said.
More about Kestra’s devices
Kestra designed its Assure WCD system as a modern, comfortable wearable device with integrated sensors, a cardiac rhythm monitor and a miniaturized automated external defibrillator. It won FDA approval in August 2021.
The system, designed to protect patients at risk of sudden cardiac death (SCD), can analyze a patient’s heart rhythm, independently identify a dangerous arrhythmia, make an autonomous treatment decision and safely deliver defibrillation therapy to restore a normal heart rhythm.
Additionally, the system is compatible with Kestra’s cloud-based digital health platform, designed to enable communication with patients and physicians. Kestra expects Assure to become available in select markets in the fall of this year.
