Oxford Endovascular

About Oxford Endovascular

Oxford Endovascular Limited is a medical device company spun out from the University of Oxford in 2015. The company is focused on developing and commercializing a next-generation flow-diverter stent, named OXIFLOW, for the minimally invasive treatment of intracranial aneurysms, a condition affecting one in 50 people. The company's clients are primarily healthcare providers, such as hospitals and specialized neurovascular clinics. It operates within the global MedTech market for brain aneurysm devices, which is valued at nearly $3 billion annually.

The company was founded by Professor of Neuroradiology James Byrne and Professor of Engineering Zhong You, who invented the OXIFLOW device. Professor Byrne is a world-renowned physician who pioneered endovascular coiling in the UK, and his clinical experience highlighted the need for a more precise device. Professor You is a leading expert in deployable 'origami' engineering and space-age satellite technologies. This cross-disciplinary collaboration led to the creation of the OXIFLOW stent. Mike Karim, an entrepreneur with nearly 30 years of experience in the medical device industry, joined as a co-founder and serves as the CEO.

The core product, OXIFLOW, is a metallic mesh tube inspired by origami principles. It is laser-cut from Nitinol, an advanced nickel-titanium alloy known for its shape-memory properties. Delivered via a microcatheter, the device is designed to open more accurately and conform better to the patient's blood vessels compared to conventional stents. This diverts blood flow away from the aneurysm, allowing it to heal and reducing the risk of rupture and life-threatening brain hemorrhage. The design aims to mitigate complications, which can occur in up to 35% of existing aneurysm treatments, and make more patients eligible for treatment.

Oxford Endovascular's business model is centered on research, development, and the eventual commercialization of its patented device. The company has successfully raised significant capital to fund its development and move towards clinical trials. It secured a $10 million Series A round in April 2021 and a further £8 million in a Series A+ round in May 2024. Major investors include Parkwalk Advisors, Norcliffe Capital, Oxford Science Enterprises (OSE), and Vulpes Investment Management. The company has also received prestigious grants from the European Union's Horizon 2020 programme and Innovate UK.