Ajax Health and KKR Launch New Heart Failure Venture with Boston Scientific Technology

Ajax Health and KKR are joining forces with Boston Scientific to establish a new startup focused on treating heart failure. This move comes on the heels of their successful collaboration in the atrial fibrillation space earlier this year.

FlowMod: A New Player in Heart Failure Treatment

The newly formed company, named FlowMod, aims to further develop and validate technologies originally created by Boston Scientific. With financial backing from KKR, FlowMod is poised to navigate the path from clinical validation to potential regulatory approval.

At the helm of FlowMod is CEO Philippe Marco, whose track record includes leadership roles at Epix Therapeutics and CV Ingenuity—both Ajax-backed cardiovascular companies that were later acquired by industry giants Medtronic and Covidien, respectively.

Marco expressed his enthusiasm for the venture, stating, "I am excited to work with the Ajax Health and KKR leadership teams again. We look forward to developing a meaningful advancement in the treatment of patients with heart failure, building upon the foundation established by Boston Scientific."

Building on Recent Success in Cardiac Care

This latest collaboration builds on the recent success of Cortex, another Ajax-incubated company focused on atrial fibrillation. Cortex, which launched in late 2023 with $90 million in funding, developed an integrated cardiac mapping and pulsed field ablation platform. The company's OptiMap system, featuring a 64-electrode basket-shaped catheter with real-time guidance capabilities, received FDA clearance.

In a testament to the value of this technology, Boston Scientific acquired Cortex in January 2025 for $248 million upfront, with the potential for an additional $50 million tied to future regulatory milestones.

Industry Implications and Future Outlook

The formation of FlowMod represents a continuing trend of strategic partnerships and investments in the cardiovascular medical device sector. By leveraging Boston Scientific's established technologies and combining them with the entrepreneurial approach of Ajax Health and the financial resources of KKR, FlowMod is well-positioned to make significant strides in heart failure treatment.

As the global burden of heart failure continues to grow, innovations in this field are crucial. The development of new technologies and therapies by companies like FlowMod could potentially improve patient outcomes and quality of life for millions suffering from this chronic condition.