PolyVascular is set to receive strategic support, resources and $2m in funding from CobiCure Medical Technologies (CobiCure MedTech) to expedite the development of a non-surgical heart valve for young children with congenital heart disease.

PolyVascular's polymer heart valve is anticipated to become the first of its kind to show readiness for human clinical use.

This valve uses a novel polymer for the replacement of faulty heart valves, decreasing the need for multiple surgeries and enhancing patients' quality of life.

Congenital heart defects affect almost 40,000 births annually, as reported by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

PolyVascular founder and paediatric cardiologist Henri Justino said: “This investment from CobiCure MedTech is a testament to the progress our team has made and acknowledges the need for better solutions for children with congenital heart disease.”

The latest funding adds to the $3.5m in grants earlier received from the National Institutes of Health and Small Business Innovation Research Phase I and Phase II, along with private funding of $750,000.

CobiCure MedTech strategy and development director Emma Moran said: “CobiCure's mission, strategic ecosystem, and critical resources are a perfect match for helping PolyVascular realise their goal of eliminating invasive surgeries in children with congenital heart disease.

“Our commitment to supporting life-changing medical devices like PolyVascular's will fill gaps in paediatric MedTech and we look forward to the positive impact it could have on children's lives.”