Pharaoh Neuro, developer of innovative neurocritical care solutions, has raised $20M in an oversubscribed Series A funding round backed by Arboretum Ventures, Hatteras Venture Partners, Laerdal Million Lives Fund, and IAG Capital Partners. The company specializes in the investigational Neurapheresis™ platform for active, closed-loop cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) management and the MindsEye™ expandable cranial access port. The new capital will advance the Neurapheresis platform through clinical development and toward commercialization.
PILLAR-XT Trial Ignites Momentum
The timing coincides with the July 2024 publication of the PILLAR-XT trial's open-access manuscript, proving safety and feasibility of CSF filtration post-subarachnoid hemorrhage. This milestone underscores clinical validation amid demand for better ICP control. Pharaoh Neuro's closed-loop approach fills a gap left by traditional passive drainage systems.
Elevated ICP Strikes 30K Patients Yearly
Over 30,000 U.S. patients annually face elevated intracranial pressure (ICP) after subarachnoid hemorrhage or acute brain injuries. Traditional passive external ventricular drainage leads to complications including infection and over-drainage, prolonging ICU stays. Existing solutions lack active filtration, failing to restore physiological CSF balance.
Active CSF Circulation Cuts Risks
Neurapheresis™ actively filters and recirculates a patient's own CSF in a closed loop, minimizing infection risks and stabilizing ICP compared to passive systems. Unlike conventional EVDs, it maintains natural CSF dynamics without external fluid exposure. The MindsEye™ port complements this with expandable design for enhanced minimally invasive neurosurgical access and visibility.
Oversubscribed Medtech Backing Validates Tech
Investors Arboretum Ventures and Hatteras bring medtech expertise, while Laerdal Million Lives Fund emphasizes life-saving impact and IAG adds strategic capital. This $20M infusion signals market confidence in active CSF management as growth capital for trials and scaling. It aligns with Pharaoh Neuro's path from NIH-funded origins to bedside.
Neurocritical Care Demand Drives Growth
Annual U.S. incidence exceeds 30,000 cases requiring advanced ICP management, highlighting untapped potential in neurocritical care. Passive drainage remains dominant, but trends toward smart, minimally invasive tools accelerate. Pharaoh Neuro positions at the intersection of proven trials and innovative delivery.
Duke Neurosurgeon Invents Core Tech
CMO Nandan Lad, MD PhD, Duke-trained neurosurgeon, invented Neurapheresis during NIH-funded work at Minnetronix Medical. CEO Amaza Reitmeier leads with executive hires from Medtronic and Duke. This team's track record from invention through PILLAR-XT de-risks commercialization.
Advancing to Pivotal Trials and Launch
Fresh funding accelerates Neurapheresis pivotal studies leveraging PILLAR-XT data. Pharaoh Neuro also plans U.S. reintroduction of the MindsEye™ port to broaden minimally invasive neurosurgery options.