Edwards’ EVOQUE Valve Replacement System First Transcatheter Therapy to Earn FDA Approval for Tricuspid Valve
- FDA approval for EVOQUE tricuspid valve replacement system
- Improvement of health status in patients with symptomatic severe TR
- Favorable safety and effectiveness outcomes in TRISCEND II pivotal trial
- None.
Insights
The FDA approval of Edwards Lifesciences' EVOQUE tricuspid valve replacement system represents a significant milestone in the treatment of tricuspid regurgitation (TR), a condition where the heart's tricuspid valve fails to close properly, leading to backward flow of blood. This approval is based on the TRISCEND II pivotal trial, which demonstrated the EVOQUE system's superiority over optimal medical therapy (OMT) in reducing or eliminating TR and improving patients' quality of life.
The system's design, featuring a nitinol self-expanding frame and bovine pericardial tissue leaflets, is tailored to address the anatomical challenges of the tricuspid valve. The positive trial outcomes, including the reduction of all-cause mortality, tricuspid intervention and heart failure hospitalization, suggest a favorable risk-benefit profile that could lead to widespread adoption in severe TR cases. The long-term implications for Edwards Lifesciences include potential market leadership in this segment and the expansion of its structural heart disease portfolio.
Edwards Lifesciences' stock (NYSE: EW) may see increased investor interest following the FDA approval of the EVOQUE system. This approval not only solidifies the company's position in the structural heart disease market but also opens up a new revenue stream. The CE Mark approval obtained in October 2023 and the anticipated presentation of the full TRISCEND II pivotal trial data at TCT 2024 could further bolster investor confidence.
From a financial perspective, the approval could lead to increased sales and market share, especially considering the absence of approved transcatheter alternatives for TR. The company's strategic positioning and collaboration with clinicians globally could enhance its competitive edge. Investors should monitor the adoption rate of the EVOQUE system and the outcomes of the full cohort study, as these will be critical in determining the system's impact on the company's financial health.
The transcatheter valve replacement market is expected to grow, with tricuspid valve therapies being a relatively untapped area compared to aortic and mitral valve interventions. Edwards Lifesciences' first-mover advantage with the EVOQUE system could capture significant market share. The system's low-profile transfemoral delivery and availability in three sizes cater to a broad patient population, potentially disrupting the current treatment paradigm for severe TR.
Market adoption will depend on factors such as reimbursement policies, physician training and patient awareness. The system's impact on reducing hospitalizations and improving patient quality of life aligns with healthcare trends towards value-based care, which could influence procurement decisions. Edwards Lifesciences' established reputation in the heart valve market may facilitate quicker adoption among healthcare providers.
(Photo: Edwards Lifesciences)
“Edwards has a long history of leading innovation and pioneering new therapies to address the unmet needs of patients with structural heart disease,” said Daveen Chopra, Edwards’ corporate vice president, transcatheter mitral and tricuspid therapies. “We are grateful for the strong collaboration with clinicians all over the world who contributed to the EVOQUE system now being available through FDA’s Breakthrough Pathway to provide a treatment option to the many patients in the US suffering with tricuspid valve disease.”
The EVOQUE system is comprised of a nitinol self-expanding frame, intra-annular sealing skirt and tissue leaflets made from the company’s proven bovine pericardial tissue. The EVOQUE valve will be available in three sizes, all delivered through the same low-profile transfemoral 28F system.
“Patients suffering with tricuspid regurgitation endure life-impairing symptoms and, until today, had no approved transcatheter treatment options,” said Susheel Kodali, MD, director, Structural Heart and Valve Center at Columbia University Irving Medical Center/New York-Presbyterian Hospital and TRISCEND II Study Principal Investigator. “The EVOQUE system is able to replace the native tricuspid valve, virtually eliminating tricuspid regurgitation in a wide range of patients. We see significant improvements in patients’ symptoms and quality-of-life, including not feeling short of breath and being able to care for themselves, which ranked highest on a patient preference survey conducted at baseline with TRISCEND II pivotal trial patients.”
Successful six-month results from the randomized controlled pivotal trial, TRISCEND II, were presented at TCT 2023 and reported favorable safety and effectiveness outcomes, demonstrating superiority to OMT alone and meeting all primary endpoints. Key findings in the trial included significant reduction or elimination of tricuspid regurgitation and significant and sustained quality of life improvement, while demonstrating a favorable balance between risk and benefit.
In addition to the six-month cohort, 318 of the total 392 randomized patients completed a 1-year visit. The results showed favorable trends in the device group compared to the control group in the primary composite endpoints, including all-cause mortality, tricuspid intervention, heart failure hospitalization, KCCQ, NYHA and 6MWD. Edwards expects to present the full cohort of 392 TRISCEND II pivotal trial patients at TCT 2024.
The EVOQUE system received CE Mark approval in October 2023, making it the world’s first transcatheter valve replacement therapy to receive regulatory approval to treat TR.
About Edwards Lifesciences
Edwards Lifesciences is the global leader of patient-focused innovations for structural heart disease and critical care monitoring. We are driven by a passion for patients, dedicated to improving and enhancing lives through partnerships with clinicians and stakeholders across the global healthcare landscape. For more information, visit Edwards.com and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, X and YouTube.
This news release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements made by Mr. Chopra and Dr. Kodali, and statements regarding expected product benefits, patient outcomes, objectives and expectations and other statements that are not historical facts. Forward-looking statements are based on estimates and assumptions made by management of the company and are believed to be reasonable, though they are inherently uncertain and difficult to predict. Our forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made, and we do not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after the date of the statement. Investors are cautioned not to unduly rely on such forward-looking statements.
Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements based on a number of factors as detailed in the company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022, and its Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31, June 30, and September 30, 2023. These filings, along with important safety information about our products, may be found at Edwards.com.
Edwards, Edwards Lifesciences, the stylized E logo, Edwards EVOQUE, EVOQUE, and TRISCEND are trademarks of Edwards Lifesciences Corporation. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
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Media Contact: Loree Bowen, 714-403-2475
Investor Contact: Mark Wilterding, 949-250-6826
Source: Edwards Lifesciences Corporation
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