Starlight Cardiovascular

About Starlight Cardiovascular

Starlight Cardiovascular, founded in 2020, is a preclinical-stage medical technology company based in San Diego, United States, dedicated to addressing the critical unmet needs in pediatric cardiology. The company was co-founded by a team with extensive experience in medicine and medical device development, including Beverly Tang, PhD, who serves as the CEO. Dr. Tang's background in mechanical engineering and her experience as a Stanford Biodesign Fellow have shaped her focus on creating solutions for life-threatening cardiovascular diseases. The founding team also includes Dr. Pedro del Nido, the Chairman of Cardiac Surgery at Boston Children’s Hospital; Carl Berke, a seasoned investor in new technologies; Attila Meretei; and Tom Duerig, a pioneer in the use of Nitinol in medical devices.

The company operates in the pediatric interventional cardiology market, which suffers from a lack of devices specifically designed for neonatal and infant anatomy. Congenital Heart Defects (CHDs) are the most common birth defects, affecting approximately 1.3 million babies annually and representing a significant cause of infant mortality in the developed world. Starlight Cardiovascular's business model centers on developing and commercializing a portfolio of minimally-invasive devices tailored for these young patients. Currently, many procedures rely on the off-label use of adult-sized devices, which can lead to complications and the need for repeated interventions. Starlight aims to provide safer, more effective alternatives that can replace high-risk open-heart surgeries with catheter-based procedures.

Starlight's product pipeline is designed to offer a range of solutions for various CHDs. Its first product is a Ductus Arteriosus Stent, which is delivered via a right-sized microcatheter system. This self-expanding stent is engineered for easier navigation through the tortuous anatomy of a neonate's heart, ensuring precise placement and full coverage of the ductus arteriosus to avoid protrusion into major arteries. Another key product in development is a Pulmonary Flow Restrictor, designed to prevent excessive blood flow to the lungs in infants. This device is introduced through a minimally invasive process and can expand as the child grows. The company's funding includes a significant Series A round of $9.48 million led by Bird B AG in October 2022, as well as multiple Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) grants from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to support the development of its devices.