Ottawa, November 12, 2024 - The University of Ottawa Heart Institute (UOHI) has played a pivotal role toward preventing a serious complication following open-chest surgery by helping launch Rhythm Biotherapeutics Inc., a pre-clinical startup company pioneering novel biologic therapies for patients with heart disease. The initiative aims to bring the UOHI’s groundbreaking therapeutic from bench to bedside.
The innovative technology at the core of this partnership is based on nano-therapy developed at the UOHI to prevent atrial fibrillation, a complication that commonly develops after surgery. This therapy is based on specialized particles called exosomes, which are secreted by cells and carry signals and molecules that allow them to communicate with one another, making them of great interest to scientists for their potential in disease diagnosis and therapeutics.
The UOHI has licensed out exclusive rights to Rhythm Biotherapeutics to secure the worldwide commercialization rights to patents stemming from research led by Dr. Darryl Davis, an electrophysiologist and scientist at the UOHI and a world-leading researcher in the use of exosomes for treating heart rhythm disorders. This research is set to propel the exosome therapy into a Phase 1 clinical trial, which will take place at the UOHI. National phase patent applications, supported by Elevate IP and IP Ontario, have been filed in the US, EU, Japan, Korea, China, India and Israel as well as Canada.
“Rhythm Biotherapeutics is uniquely positioned to translate this cutting-edge research into transformative therapy,” said Dr. Darryl Davis, founder and CEO at Rhythm Biotherapeutics and an electrophysiologist and scientist at the University of Ottawa Heart Institute. “Our mission is to prevent and cure atrial fibrillation, starting with our exosome therapy for postoperative atrial fibrillation, a complication that affects so many patients after cardiac surgery.”
Atrial fibrillation is the most common cardiac arrhythmia, affecting tens of millions of people worldwide. It is currently a chronic condition with no cure and increased morbidity over time. Postoperative atrial fibrillation occurs in a significant percentage of patients after open-heart surgery, leading to increased risks of stroke, heart failure, and prolonged hospital stays. The prevention of postoperative atrial fibrillation represents a crucial advancement in improving patient outcomes and reducing healthcare costs.
“This initiative is a testament to the strength of the Heart Institute’s research in advancing heart health innovation and to our commitment to improving patient outcomes. We are excited to bring this promising therapy to clinical trials and, ultimately, to the patients who need it most,” said Dr. Katey Rayner, chief scientific officer and vice president of research at the University of Ottawa Heart Institute.
About Rhythm Biotherapeutics Inc.
Rhythm Biotherapeutics Inc. is a preclinical-stage startup pioneering novel biologic therapies designed to prevent and cure atrial fibrillation. The company's lead asset is an exosome therapy targeting postoperative atrial fibrillation, a serious complication of open chest surgery that results in increased morbidity and healthcare costs. Rhythm Biotherapeutics is dedicated to developing treatments that not only address this immediate concern but also contribute to the broader goal of eradicating atrial fibrillation.
About the University of Ottawa Heart Institute
The University of Ottawa Heart Institute is one of Canada’s most distinguished heart health centers, known for the unparalleled care it provides to its patients. As a world-renowned research institute, the UOHI brings science from bench to bedside, standing as the country’s main influencer in preventing heart disease. The institute's promise remains steadfast: Always putting patients first.
Media contacts
Leigh B. Morris
Communications Officer
University of Ottawa Heart Institute
613-316-6409 (cell)
lmorris@ottawaheart.ca