1 The EIC Accelerator Project

EIC Accelerator Program Overview

The European Innovation Council (EIC) Accelerator program is a prominent funding initiative designed to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and startups with groundbreaking innovations in Europe. This program is particularly focused on fostering DeepTech ventures that have the potential to disrupt markets and drive significant societal impacts. By providing blended finance options, the EIC Accelerator aims to bridge the funding gap faced by innovative companies, enabling them to scale their operations, develop new products, and penetrate international markets.

Funding Structure

The EIC Accelerator offers a unique blended finance mechanism that combines grants and equity investments.

Role in the European Startup Ecosystem

The EIC Accelerator plays a critical role in the European DeepTech ecosystem by facilitating access to capital for innovative companies that may struggle to secure funding through traditional means. By providing substantial financial support and a pathway for scaling operations, the EIC Accelerator helps to nurture high-potential startups, fostering innovation and economic growth across Europe. It serves as a catalyst to enhance collaboration between public funding and private investment, thus creating a more robust landscape for technological advancement and job creation.

Case Study: FILTERLEX MEDICAL LTD and the CAPTIS Project

Company Overview: FILTERLEX MEDICAL LTD, an Israeli startup, is the recipient of the EIC Accelerator funding for its innovative project, CAPTIS. This project focuses on developing an Embolic Protection Device designed specifically for stroke prevention during heart valve replacement procedures.

Project Description: The CAPTIS project aims to address a critical medical challenge faced by patients undergoing heart valve replacement, a procedure that carries a risk of embolic events, potentially leading to strokes. The CAPTIS device is engineered to capture and remove debris that may dislodge during the procedure, thereby significantly reducing the risk of stroke and improving patient outcomes.

Technology Basics and Background

The technology behind CAPTIS leverages advanced engineering principles and materials science to create a minimally invasive device that can be deployed during heart valve replacement surgeries. The device is designed to navigate the complex vascular anatomy while maintaining a high degree of functionality and safety.

The success of the CAPTIS project under the EIC Accelerator signifies a meaningful advancement in medical technology, showcasing how targeted funding initiatives can lead to innovative solutions that have the potential to transform patient care and clinical outcomes. The collaboration between public funding and private investment fostered by the EIC Accelerator exemplifies a thriving ecosystem that supports the growth of groundbreaking ventures in Europe.

2 The Funding Rounds

Filterlex Medical Ltd: Funding and Exit Events Since EIC Accelerator Award

Financing Raised

Filterlex Medical Ltd, based in Israel, has raised significant capital since submitting its successful Step 2 proposal to the EIC Accelerator on October 6, 2021. The major disclosed fundraising rounds include:

• A $6 million Series A1 investment round completed in November 2021.
• €7 million (approximately $7.9 million at late-2021 exchange rates) equity investment commitment from the European Innovation Council (EIC), announced after their EIC Accelerator win.

Funding Rounds: Timing & Amounts

Date	Round	Amount	Investors/Source
November 2018	Undisclosed	€71,000	Not specified
June 2019	Grant/EU	€2.1 million	European Innovation Council
July 2019	Undisclosed	$3 million	Not specified
November 2021	Series A1	$6 million	Leading private healthcare investors
Late-2021/early '22	EU Equity	€7 million	European Innovation Council (EIC Fund)

Note: The exact date of the EIC equity disbursement is not publicly specified but follows closely after the company's funding announcement in November 2021.

Investor Information

The Series A1 round was led by "leading private healthcare investors," though specific names are not disclosed in public sources. Earlier investments included participation from Alon MedTech Ventures incubator, headed by Dr. Shimon Eckhouse—a significant figure and investor in Israeli medtech startups. The large EU grant and subsequent equity commitment came via the European Innovation Council’s Horizon programs.

Other Funding Round Details

• The funding has been used primarily to accelerate clinical development of CAPTIS®, a full-body embolic protection device designed for transcatheter aortic valve replacement procedures.
• Clinical studies funded by these rounds were conducted at Wolfson Medical Center and Rabin Medical Center (Beilinson Hospital) in Israel.
• Positive data from first-in-human studies have been presented publicly as a result of this financial support.

Company Valuations

Public sources do not specify disclosed valuations for Filterlex Medical Ltd during these rounds.

Exit Events: IPOs, Buyouts or Acquisitions

As of April 23, 2025:

There are no reports or announcements indicating that Filterlex Medical Ltd has undergone an exit event such as an initial public offering (IPO), buyout, or acquisition.

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Sources

• Filterlex Medical Completes Funding Round for Its Captis Clinical Program
• Filterlex Medical Closes a $6Million Series A1 Investment to Accelerate the CAPTIS® Cardiovascular Clinical Program
• Filterlex Medical Closes a $6Million Series A1 Investment - PR Newswire
• Cardiovascular Startup, Filterlex Medical, Selected to Receive €7M from the European Innovation Council
• News Archives - Filterlex – First-In-Human Study Results Press Release
• Filterlex company information – Tech Island Cyprus Database

3 The Press Releases

Overview of Filterlex Medical Ltd.

Filterlex Medical Ltd., based in Israel, is a cardiovascular medical device startup that has been actively developing innovative solutions for reducing the risk of stroke and other complications during heart procedures. Since receiving the EIC Accelerator funding on October 6, 2021, the company has made significant advancements in its technology and clinical trials.

Technology Advancements

The company's flagship product is the Captis device, a next-generation, full-body embolic protection system designed to provide neurovascular and systemic embolic protection during left-heart procedures, such as Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR). The Captis device features a triple-action design that deflects, captures, and removes embolic particles, ensuring full-body protection without requiring additional arterial access.

Clinical Trials

Filterlex Medical completed a first-in-human (FIH) study for the Captis device, which demonstrated a 100% success rate in deploying and retrieving the device during TAVR procedures. The study involved 20 patients and showed no device-related complications or cerebrovascular events. The results were published in the peer-reviewed journal EuroIntervention and presented at the EuroPCR 2022 conference.

Funding and Partnerships

In addition to the EIC Accelerator funding, Filterlex Medical received a grant from the European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation program. The company also completed a $6 million Series A1 investment round in November 2021 to accelerate its Captis clinical program.

Team Updates and Press Releases

Filterlex Medical's leadership includes Sigal Eli, Co-founder and CEO, and Giora Weisz, MD, Chief Medical Officer. The company regularly updates its news section on its website with press releases and study results, highlighting the progress and potential of the Captis device.

Patents and Technology Platform

While specific patent details are not available in the current information, Filterlex Medical is known for its innovative approach to embolic protection technology, focusing on developing safe and effective solutions for cardiovascular procedures.

Sources: - Filterlex Medical's Captis Embolic Protection Device for TAVR

• New Published Study Demonstrates Safety and Feasibility of Filterlex Medical's CAPTIS Device
• Filterlex Medical Ltd.
• News Archives - Filterlex
• Filterlex Medical Raises $3 Million in Series A Financing
• Filterlex Medical Completes Funding Round for Its Captis Clinical Program
• Filterlex Medical reports positive data from CAPTIS device study
• Filterlex Medical Announces Positive Results from A First-In-Human Study for the CAPTIS Device
• Filterlex Medical

4 The Technology Advancements

Filterlex Medical Ltd., an Israeli cardiovascular medical device startup, specializes in the development of CAPTIS®, a next-generation full-body embolic protection device designed to reduce the risk of stroke and other complications during left-heart catheter-based procedures such as Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR).

Current Capabilities

• The CAPTIS® device provides full-body embolic protection through a triple-action mechanism: deflecting, capturing, and removing embolic particles released during cardiac procedures.
• It is uniquely designed for easy and intuitive deployment and retrieval without requiring additional arterial access.
• Securely positioned in the aorta, it protects its surface while allowing seamless continuation of TAVR or similar interventions without workflow interference.

Advancements Since Receiving EIC Accelerator Funding on October 6, 2021

Clinical Progress and Technology Validation

• Post-EIC funding, Filterlex Medical has advanced its clinical program significantly. Notably, they completed a first-in-human (FIH) study involving 20 patients undergoing TAVR with the CAPTIS device.
• This study demonstrated:
• A 100% technical success rate deploying and retrieving the device.
• No device-related complications or cerebrovascular events occurred during or after procedures.
• The system effectively captured a high volume of embolic debris particles during interventions.

Market Demonstrations and Clinical Trials

• The FIH study was conducted at two leading Israeli medical centers: Wolfson Medical Center (principal investigator Prof. Haim Danenberg) and Rabin Medical Center (Director Prof. Ran Kornowski).
• Results were published in EuroIntervention, highlighting safety, feasibility, neurovascular protection capability, and positive initial clinical experience.
• Filterlex continues active patient enrollment to further substantiate CAPTIS's clinical benefits for TAVR as well as potential application in other left-heart procedures.

Company Growth & Facility Expansion

Following funding rounds including a $6 million Series A1 round closed shortly after their EIC Accelerator grant award date in late 2021, Filterlex expanded operations into larger facilities located in Caesarea to support scaling up development efforts alongside their growing clinical program.

Improvements & New Features

The core technology has been validated clinically with strong performance feedback:

• The ease of deployment/retrieval remains emphasized as key to integration into existing workflows without additional arterial access requirements.
• Its unique design providing "full-body" protection by covering the entire aortic surface distinguishes it from competitors focused solely on cerebral embolic prevention.

No publicly disclosed new patents or separate scientific whitepapers beyond those related to their ongoing studies have been identified since October 2021; however:

Publication of peer-reviewed clinical outcome data supports advancement towards regulatory approvals and market introduction phases.

Summary

Since receiving EIC Accelerator funding on October 6th, 2021:

• Filterlex Medical has progressed from concept validation into successful human trials demonstrating safety and efficacy of their CAPTIS embolic protection system in TAVR patients.
• They have improved market readiness by expanding facilities and increasing investments supporting accelerated clinical programs.
• Published first-in-human data indicate no procedural complications related to CAPTIS use while successfully capturing harmful emboli that can cause stroke or organ injury.

These achievements position Filterlex Medical strongly within cardiovascular interventional markets aiming at enhancing patient outcomes through innovative neurovascular protective technologies.

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Sources:

5 The Partnerships and Customers

Filterlex Medical Ltd. Partnerships and Strategic Collaborations Since receiving EIC Accelerator funding in October 2021, Filterlex Medical has focused on advancing its CAPTIS® embolic protection device through clinical partnerships and investor-backed scaling initiatives. Key entities associated with the company include:

• Clinical Trial Partners:
• Wolfson Medical Center (Israel): Led by Prof. Haim Danenberg, Head of Interventional Cardiology, Wolfson served as a principal site for the first-in-human (FIH) study evaluating CAPTIS during TAVR procedures.
• Rabin Medical Center (Beilinson Hospital, Israel): Directed by Prof. Ran Kornowski, Rabin contributed to patient enrollment and data validation for the FIH trial.
• Funding Partners:
• Series A1 Investors: Secured $6 million from healthcare-focused private investors in November 2021 to accelerate clinical programs.
• European Innovation Council (EIC): Received a €7 million investment commitment alongside EIC Accelerator funding to support technology development and regulatory milestones.
• Strategic Positioning:

The partnerships with leading cardiology centers validate CAPTIS' safety and efficacy in real-world TAVR procedures, while investor backing enables scaling manufacturing capabilities and expanding clinical evidence ahead of regulatory submissions. These relationships position Filterlex as an emerging innovator in stroke prevention technologies for structural heart interventions.

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Sources

• Filterlex Medical Closes $6M Series A1 Investment
• First-In-Human Study Results at EuroPCR 2022
• CAPTIS Clinical Program Details
• Synapse Company Profile

6 The Hiring and Company Growth

Filterlex Medical Ltd.

Filterlex Medical Ltd., an Israeli cardiovascular medical device startup, has been making significant strides since receiving €7 million in equity investment from the European Innovation Council (EIC) Accelerator in October 2021. Here is an overview of their recent developments:

Hiring and Team Growth

There is limited specific information available on the current headcount or team size of Filterlex Medical. However, the company has been actively engaged in clinical trials and research, indicating a need for skilled personnel in medical device development and clinical research.

Current Hiring Status

While there is no explicit mention of current hiring processes, the company's ongoing clinical programs and product development suggest they may be looking for talent in areas such as engineering, clinical research, and regulatory affairs.

Key Positions and Recent Hires

No specific details are available on recent hires or key positions. However, the company's focus on advancing its CAPTIS embolic protection device indicates a likely emphasis on hiring professionals with expertise in cardiovascular medical devices and clinical trials.

Growth and Scaling

Filterlex Medical's receipt of significant investments, including a $6 million series A1 round and €7 million from the EIC, signals substantial growth potential. These funds are aimed at accelerating the clinical program for the CAPTIS device, which is designed to reduce the risk of stroke during left-heart procedures. This investment positions the company well for scaling and expanding its operations, particularly in advancing its embolic protection technology.

Management and Founding Team Changes

There are no reported changes in the management or founding team of Filterlex Medical, with Sigal Eli continuing as the CEO and founder. The company's leadership has been instrumental in securing investments and driving the development of its innovative medical devices.

Future Impact

New team members in key roles would likely contribute to the company's growth by enhancing its technical capabilities, expanding its clinical trials, and preparing for market entry. This would be crucial for scaling the company's operations and ensuring the successful launch of the CAPTIS device.

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Sources: - Filterlex Medical

• Alon MedTech Blog
• Filterlex Medical Closes a $6 Million Series A1 Investment
• Embolic Protection Device Market Analysis

7 The Media Features and Publications

Filterlex Medical Ltd., an Israeli cardiovascular medical device startup and EIC Accelerator winner since October 6, 2021, has received notable media coverage and participated in key industry events highlighting its innovation in embolic protection devices.

Media Features and Publications

• In November 2023, Filterlex Medical's flagship product, the CAPTIS® full-body embolic protection device designed for transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) procedures, was featured in EuroIntervention following a successful first-in-human (FIH) study. The study involved 20 patients with a 100% procedural success rate and no device-related complications or cerebrovascular events. The publication underscored CAPTIS's ability to capture embolic debris intra-procedurally and enhance patient safety during TAVR.
• Earlier results from the FIH study were also presented at the EuroPCR conference in May 2022 by Prof. Ran Kornowski of Rabin Medical Center. These findings confirmed the safety, feasibility, and positive performance outcomes of CAPTIS during TAVR with no complications reported.
• Various press releases via PR Newswire have detailed these clinical advancements emphasizing Filterlex’s innovative approach to reducing stroke risk during left-heart catheter-based interventions using their triple-action embolic protection technology.
• In addition to clinical publications, Filterlex has been recognized by European Commission initiatives such as Horizon 2020 SME Instrument funding programs for its promising disruptive technology that addresses critical unmet needs in cardiovascular interventional procedures.

Podcasts or Interviews

No publicly indexed podcasts or interviews featuring Filterlex Medical’s team members were found within the available data.

Conference Attendances & Presentations

Filterlex actively participated in major cardiology conferences including EuroPCR 2022 held in Paris where they presented clinical trial data on their CAPTIS device through leading cardiologists like Prof. Ran Kornowski. This event is one of Europe’s premier forums for interventional cardiovascular medicine sharing latest innovations with global experts.

Event Involvement

Beyond formal conference presentations, Filterlex has engaged with industry stakeholders through collaborations highlighted alongside their EU funding support announcements—signaling involvement at various networking platforms aimed at clinical validation and commercial partnerships development.

Summary

Since receiving EIC Accelerator funding post-submission on October 6th, 2021:

• FILTERLEX MEDICAL LTD has gained significant media exposure through high-impact publications such as EuroIntervention.
• They have showcased pioneering clinical data at key international cardiology congresses like EuroPCR.
• Their leadership team includes clinicians who present at major scientific meetings advancing awareness about their next-generation embolic protection technology.

While specific podcasts or interviews remain unlisted publicly so far, their presence at top-tier medical conferences confirms active participation within relevant professional communities focused on cardiovascular innovation.

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Sources:

• Filterlex Medical’s Captis Embolic Protection Device for TAVR Evaluated in First-in-Human Study
• Filterlex Medical News Archive
• PR Newswire - New Published Study Demonstrates Safety and Feasibility
• PR Newswire - Completion of First-In-Human Study
• European Commission Horizon Program Backs Filterlex

-FilterLex Presentation at EuroPCR Conference – May 2022