Orchestra BioMed Announces Rollout of FDA-Approved BACKBEAT Global Pivotal Study Protocol Update Significantly Expanding Patient Eligibility

Core Viewpoint - Orchestra BioMed Holdings, Inc. announced a significant update to the BACKBEAT study protocol, approved by the FDA, which expands patient eligibility criteria for evaluating AVIM therapy in patients with uncontrolled hypertension who require pacemakers [1][5]. Summary by Relevant Sections Patient Eligibility Expansion - The updated protocol increases the eligible patient pool by more than 24-fold compared to the original protocol, supporting the company's target for mid-2026 completion of enrollment [2][5]. - New eligibility criteria include hypertensive patients who have received or are scheduled to receive a Medtronic Azure™ or Astra™ pacemaker, including device replacements [5][6]. Clinical Implications - The expanded criteria align the study population with the characteristics of the FDA Breakthrough Device Designation for AVIM therapy, potentially representing millions of U.S. patients needing better options for managing elevated systolic blood pressure [3][4]. - AVIM therapy is designed specifically for older, higher-risk hypertensive patients who may also require a pacemaker, reflecting its transformative potential [3][8]. Company Overview - Orchestra BioMed focuses on accelerating high-impact biomedical technologies through partnerships with leading medical device companies, with AVIM therapy as its lead product candidate for uncontrolled hypertension [4]. - The company has received four Breakthrough Device Designations from the FDA for its core programs, indicating significant potential to address unmet needs in cardiovascular care [4].