The Vienna-based AVVie GmbH is developing an innovative artificial mitral valve that has the potential to save or significantly prolong the lives of millions of cardiac patients worldwide. With funding from the European Innovation Council (EIC), AVVie is advancing its “Mitral Butterfly” device towards market readiness.
The mitral valve, one of the four heart valves, is named for its resemblance to a bishop’s mitre. It is estimated that 2–3% of the global population suffers from mitral regurgitation, a condition in which the valve fails to close properly, causing blood to flow back into the heart.
Under the leadership of Prof. Werner Mohl, a leading cardiac surgeon at Vienna General Hospital (AKH), AVVie developed an implant that restores the function of an insufficient mitral valve without requiring replacement of the native valve. To support the development of this innovative device, the spin-off company received EUR 2.5 million from the EIC Accelerator programme in 2022. The FFG provided expert assistance during the grant application process.
"Our collaboration with FFG was outstanding," reflects Prof. Mohl on the challenging grant application process. "Their guidance enabled us to refine and strengthen our concept, while their detailed feedback highlighted key areas for improvement in the proposal, directly contributing to its success. The EIC Grant has provided the crucial international exposure necessary for a project of this scale to reach its full potential."
An Innovative Therapeutic Approach
Unlike existing therapies, the Mitral Butterfly does not replace or clip the insufficient heart valve. Instead, it functions as a hemi-valve, supporting the malfunctioning posterior leaflet while preserving the movement and function of the anterior leaflet. The implant can also be customised to the patient’s individual anatomy. A further advantage is that the device can be implanted either via minimally invasive surgery or transseptal implantation, allowing the procedure to be performed as gently as possible.
Since 2023, the Mitral Butterfly has been undergoing extensive preclinical in vivo studies in animal models. Successful completion of these studies is a prerequisite for clinical trials, paving the way for this innovative “Made in Vienna” treatment method.