If only these were the only problems this company faces. Note that 160 patients have now had the Berlin Heart product!!!:
Ventracor faces a number of risks as it furthers its commercialisation strategy: • All of the current heart device manufacturers, including Ventracor, are working on modified and next-generation devices that aim to be smaller, more durable, and more powerful. • Uncertainty over the technology and therefore its approval. • The cost of the device (including surgery costs) is expected to be US$100,000. This may affect the uptake rate despite re-imbursement in the US. • The LVAS implantation itself does not seem to be a difficult procedure but additional infrastructure for post-surgery patient management will be required. • Surgeons and physicians may not accept the VentrAssist device. Such acceptance will depend on clinical trial results and use by key opinion leaders. • Terumo’s DuraHeart is expected to be the first thirdgeneration device to market, giving them first mover advantage in the market. • In 2003, Thoratec estimated that they had in excess of 90 per cent share of the US VAD market and more than 50 per cent share for the international VAD market. • Ventracor may have a difficult task of marketing to the European countries as there are cultural and language barriers in addition to trying to convert cardiac surgeons from the already established Berlin Heart. It should be noted however that Berlin Heart’s device is not widely known outside Germany. • LVAS technology could potentially be over taken by cell therapy or better drugs. Companies like MediGene, CorTherapeutics and Collateral are researching drugs that will target the causes of CHF rather than just treat the symptoms. We expect these treatments to be 10 years away from being on the market.
VCR Price at posting:
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