Core Insights - ONWARD Medical N.V. has appointed Lucas Buchanan as a non-executive member of its Board of Directors, enhancing its leadership team as it aims to grow its business and fulfill its mission to restore movement and function for individuals with spinal cord injuries and other movement disabilities [1][2] Company Overview - ONWARD Medical is a leading neurotechnology company focused on pioneering therapies to restore movement, function, and independence in individuals with spinal cord injuries (SCI) and other movement disabilities [4] - The company has developed ARC Therapy, which has received ten Breakthrough Device Designations from the US FDA, and its ARC-EX System is cleared for commercial sale in the US [4] - ONWARD is also working on an investigational implantable system called ARC-IM, which may include an implanted brain-computer interface (BCI) [4] Leadership and Expertise - Lucas Buchanan brings over 25 years of experience in commercialization, operations, business development, investing, and finance, having previously served as COO and CFO at Silk Road Medical, leading the company to its IPO in 2019 and subsequent acquisition by Boston Scientific in 2024 [2][6] - Buchanan is an active investor and currently serves on the boards of several medical technology companies, showcasing his extensive involvement in the healthcare sector [3][6] Strategic Vision - The appointment of Buchanan is seen as a strategic move to leverage his unique experiences as an operator and investor to help ONWARD Medical achieve its ambitions and deliver hope to millions affected by spinal cord injuries and movement disabilities [2][3]

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the competitive landscape and emerging opportunities in the carotid artery stent market, highlighting the increasing demand for innovative solutions and the challenges posed by price competition in the industry [2][19][21]. Group 1: Market Overview - Carotid artery stenosis is a significant health issue, with approximately 30% of ischemic strokes caused by carotid plaque narrowing, affecting 5 out of 1000 individuals aged 50-60 and 10 out of 1000 for those over 80 [2]. - The global market for carotid stents is limited, with only about 10 products available, most of which are first-generation devices that have been in service for nearly 20 years [2][3]. Group 2: Key Players and Innovations - Medtronic has a long-standing presence in the carotid stent market, having received FDA approval for its Protégé RX self-expanding carotid stent in 2005, and recently signed a strategic agreement with Contego Medical to distribute the Neuroguard IEP system in the U.S. [6][14]. - Silk Road Medical, acquired by Boston Scientific for $11.8 billion, developed the ENROUTE neuroprotection system, which has completed over 25,000 TCAR procedures in the U.S. and generated $177.1 million in sales in 2023, marking a 28% increase from 2022 [10][13]. Group 3: Domestic Market Developments - As of now, no domestic carotid stents have been approved for sale in China, but Suzhou Zhongtian Medical's Zhongtianmi® stent has become the first domestic product to enter special review for innovative medical devices [3][18]. - The Zhongtianmi® stent utilizes a unique single-layer micro-pore hybrid weaving technology, significantly reducing pore size and improving plaque coverage while minimizing risks associated with dual-layer stents [18]. Group 4: Pricing and Competition - The introduction of centralized procurement policies has transformed the high-value consumables market into a price competition battleground, with the maximum bid for carotid stents set at 6,000 yuan, significantly compressing profit margins for companies [19][20]. - The pressure from centralized procurement is pushing smaller companies out of the market, while larger firms leverage their resources to dominate, leading to a consolidation phase in the peripheral vascular stent industry [20][21].

Core Insights - Exagen Inc. has appointed Chas McKhann to its Board of Directors, effective July 17, 2025, enhancing its leadership team with his extensive experience in the life sciences industry [1][2]. Company Overview - Exagen Inc. is a leading provider of autoimmune diagnostics, focused on transforming care for patients with chronic autoimmune conditions. The company aims to improve clinical outcomes through its innovative testing portfolio, including its flagship product, AVISE® CTD, which aids in the diagnosis of complex autoimmune diseases [5]. Leadership Appointment - Chas McKhann brings over 25 years of experience in the life sciences sector, having held significant leadership roles in various medical technology companies. His previous positions include Board member, President, and CEO of Silk Road Medical and Apollo Endosurgery, both of which were acquired by Boston Scientific [2]. - The President and CEO of Exagen, John Aballi, expressed enthusiasm about McKhann's appointment, highlighting his leadership and commercial expertise as vital for driving growth and advancing patient care [3]. Strategic Vision - McKhann expressed his honor in joining Exagen's Board, emphasizing the company's commitment to innovation in autoimmune diagnostics and his eagerness to contribute to strategic growth and long-term value creation for all stakeholders [4].

# CEA、CAS和TCAR的区别 颈动脉疾病的现有治疗方案包括 颈动脉内膜切除术（CEA）和经股颈动脉支架成形术（CAS） 。但在多项随机试验的结果中， CEA 和 CAS 在治疗后30天内 会出现严重不良反应 ，效果不尽如人意。作为国际上新兴的创新疗法， TCAR 却是一个可以替代 CEA 和 CAS的方案 ，主要针对颈动脉狭窄这一引发中风的 高危因素；临床证明，相较于 CEA， TCAR 可以降低早期并发症和死亡率风险，以及长期中风的风险。 相较于传统的CEA（技术成熟、费用低，但创伤较大，围术期心脏意外风险略高）和CAS（创伤小，但费用高，围术期卒中风险略高）， TCAR手术以其微创 性、低风险、恢复快的优势脱颖而出 。 心未来 近期， 北京安贞医院 血管外科陈忠、王盛教授团队成功完成 亚洲第一例 经颈动脉途径的颈动脉支架植入术（ 经颈动脉血运重建术， TCAR） ，患者术后恢 复良好，并转入普通病房进一步观察。 该术式由 Silk Road Medical开创 ，其在美国率先推出 锥形EnRoute经颈动脉支架系统 。健适医疗此前与Silk Road Medical达成合作，两家公司签署独 家经销协 ...