Abiomed Creates Patient Assistance Program to Address Disparities in Healthcare

Rhea-AI Summary

Abiomed (NASDAQ: ABMD) has announced significant findings from the PROTECT II Randomized Controlled Trial, highlighting that non-Caucasian high-risk PCI patients experience improved outcomes when treated with the Impella heart pump. Compared to those using an intra-aortic balloon pump, results showed a 48% reduction in major adverse events (MAE), 60% in major adverse cardiac and cerebral events (MACCE), and 75% in irreversible events up to 90 days post-procedure. In response, Abiomed is launching the W. Gerald Austen Disparities in Healthcare Initiative to reduce treatment disparities in underprivileged communities.

Positive

• Impella heart pump shows significant benefits for non-Caucasian high-risk PCI patients: 48% reduction in major adverse events (MAE), 60% in major adverse cardiac and cerebral events (MACCE), and 75% in irreversible events within 90 days.
• Establishment of the W. Gerald Austen Disparities in Healthcare Initiative aims to assist hospitals treating underinsured patients, promoting health equity.
• Data from the PROTECT II trial supports the regulatory approval of Impella as effective for high-risk PCI.

Negative

• None.

 Analysis of randomized controlled trial data shows non-Caucasian high-risk PCI patients significantly benefit from Impella-support

DANVERS, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Abiomed (Nasdaq: ABMD) announces a new program to address healthcare disparities in underserved communities, as new data provides an example of how better access to Impella heart pumps can improve health equity for non-Caucasian cardiovascular patients. Data from a subgroup analysis of 93 non-Caucasian high-risk PCI patients enrolled in the PROTECT II Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT) finds those who were treated with Abiomed’s Impella heart pump had significantly improved clinical outcomes compared to those who were treated with the intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP).

Figure 1 (Graphic: Business Wire)

Specifically, the analysis found, when compared to patients who received IABP, Impella patients experienced:

• A 48% reduction in major adverse events (MAE), the primary endpoint of the PROTECT II RCT, out to 90 days post-procedure. (p=0.018) (see figure 1)
• A 60% reduction in major adverse cardiac and cerebral events (MACCE) out to 90 days post-procedure. (p=0.032) (see figure 2)
• A 75% reduction in irreversible events (death, stroke, myocardial infarction) from discharge to 90 days post-procedure. (p=0.044) (see figure 3)

The analysis of this subset population was pre-specified in the statistical analysis plan for the MAE primary endpoint of the PROTECT II RCT. Patients in the analysis were included in Abiomed’s regulatory submission to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) that resulted in the FDA granting Impella approval as safe and effective for high-risk PCI.

“This data about the benefit of Impella-supported procedures for non-Caucasian patients is highly compelling and should be used to inform physicians’ clinical decision-making when treating non-Caucasian patients who have heart disease,” said William O’Neill, MD, medical director of the Center for Structural Heart Disease at Henry Ford Health and the principal investigator of the PROTECT II RCT.

As a result of this subgroup analysis, and the abundance of other clinical data that demonstrates the benefits of Impella heart pumps in high-risk PCI, cardiogenic shock and right heart failure, Abiomed is establishing a patient assistance program to help reduce treatment disparities in the healthcare system. The W. Gerald Austen Disparities in Healthcare Initiative will provide assistance to hospitals in the United States and the Bahamas that use Impella best practice protocols to treat patients who are on Medicaid or who are underinsured. It is an expansion of Abiomed’s existing diversity initiatives.

“Systematic and social factors create disparities in the treatment options available to heart disease patients who are candidates for a PCI procedure. This program is a step toward righting these disparities and improving healthcare in underserved communities by helping all patients receive appropriate care when they are in cardiogenic shock, right heart failure, or in need of a Protected PCI,” said Myron Rolle, MD, global neurosurgery fellow at Massachusetts General Hospital, chair of the Caribbean Neurosurgery Foundation and a member of the Abiomed Board of Directors. “I am particularly excited this initiative will help in the Bahamas, an island nation of more than 90% African descent with ischemic heart disease as the number one cause of death.”

The program is named in memory of Dr. Gerald Austen, the former chief of surgical services at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) and a 37-year member of the Abiomed Board of Directors. Dr. Austen was also the founding president and CEO of the Massachusetts General Physicians Organization, the first physician elected to the MGH Board of Trustees and a founder of the Partners HealthCare system.

“Dr. Austen was an inspiration to the field of cardiology, Mass General Hospital, Abiomed and all those around him. His life was one of service to patients, medicine and his family. Abiomed will honor Dr. Austen with this healthcare disparity program as a service to patients and communities in need, to which he dedicated his life’s work,” said Michael R. Minogue, Abiomed Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer.

For more information about the W. Gerald Austen Disparities in Healthcare Initiative, please visit www.abiomed.com/dih-initiative.

ABOUT IMPELLA HEART PUMPS

Impella CP with SmartAssist® is U.S. FDA approved to treat certain advanced heart failure patients undergoing elective and urgent percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI), such as stenting or balloon angioplasty, to reopen blocked coronary arteries.

ABOUT ABIOMED

Based in Danvers, Massachusetts, USA, Abiomed (Nasdaq: ABMD) is a leading provider of medical technology that provides circulatory support and oxygenation. Our products are designed to enable the heart to rest and recover by improving blood flow and/or provide sufficient oxygenation to those in respiratory failure. For additional information, please visit abiomed.com.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Any forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties such as those described in Abiomed's periodic reports on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Actual results may differ materially from anticipated results.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20221025005193/en/

Media Contact:

Jenny Leary

Associate Director, U.S. Communications

+1 (978) 882-8491

jleary@abiomed.com



Investor Contact:

Todd Trapp

Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

+1 (978) 646-1680

ttrapp@abiomed.com

Source: Abiomed, Inc.

FAQ

What are the key findings from the PROTECT II trial regarding Impella heart pumps for non-Caucasian patients?

The PROTECT II trial found that non-Caucasian high-risk PCI patients using the Impella heart pump had a 48% reduction in major adverse events, a 60% reduction in major adverse cardiac and cerebral events, and a 75% reduction in irreversible events within 90 days compared to the intra-aortic balloon pump.

What is the W. Gerald Austen Disparities in Healthcare Initiative launched by Abiomed?

The W. Gerald Austen Disparities in Healthcare Initiative is aimed at reducing treatment disparities for underinsured patients by supporting hospitals in the U.S. and the Bahamas that utilize Impella best practice protocols.

What is the significance of the recent data release for Abiomed's stock performance?

The positive trial results and the launch of a healthcare disparity initiative may enhance Abiomed's reputation and stability, potentially uplifting its stock performance amid increased market interest in health equity.