HeartWare International, a leading innovator of less-invasive, miniaturized circulatory support technologies that are revolutionizing the treatment of advanced heart failure, and Valtech Cardio, Ltd., a privately held developer of mitral and tricuspid valve repair and replacement technologies, announced the termination of HeartWare's proposed acquisition of Valtech.
"HeartWare’s decision last fall to acquire Valtech represented a unique opportunity to bring together two, complementary portfolios for substantial, high-growth markets and create a broad technology pipeline for the treatment of patients with heart failure," said Doug Godshall, President and Chief Executive Officer of HeartWare.
"While we continue to believe Valtech’s portfolio of mitral and tricuspid interventional tools holds tremendous promise, HeartWare finds itself in a different set of circumstances than when we first entered into the agreement."
"Our focus in the coming months will be on returning the MVAD® System to the clinic, further enhancing the HVAD® System, particularly in light of our plan to submit for the Destination Therapy indication for HVAD in the middle of this year, and progressing our innovative circulatory support pipeline," added Mr. Godshall.
"By stepping away from the acquisition, all of our resources will be dedicated to strengthening our existing business to put the company in the best position to take advantage of the significant opportunities within our ventricular assist device (VAD) portfolio. We recognize from our discussions with shareholders over the past several weeks that they, too, share our enthusiasm for the strength of our core VAD franchise, and we look forward to realizing this value together."
Pursuant to the terms of the agreement, HeartWare will make a $30 million loan to Valtech in the form of a convertible promissory note.
HeartWare International develops and manufactures miniaturized implantable heart pumps, or ventricular assist devices, to treat patients suffering from advanced heart failure.
The HeartWare Ventricular Assist System features the HVAD® pump, a small full-support circulatory assist device designed to be implanted next to the heart, avoiding the abdominal surgery generally required to implant competing devices.