51ĀŅĀ×

Resilient Medical Corp., developer and manufacturer of a novel implantable medical device that can reduce risks and ease healing for breast cancer patients, has graduated from the highly competitive JumpStart Trailblazer HealthTech Accelerator. Based in Cleveland, the program is a dedicated platform for Ohioā€™s health care startups, offering targeted support and critical resources to fuel innovation and prepare startups for venture capital investment.

ā€œThe HealthTech Accelerator is designed to help participants level up,ā€ said Kaleigh Gallagher, vice president of Tech Services and Network Management, at JumpStart, an entrepreneur support organization. ā€œThey get a deep dive into regulatory, clinical, reimbursement and commercialization strategies. This includes quantifying clinical and economic potential and building a roadmap for commercialization as preparation to raise capital, navigate the regulatory path and demonstrate commercial value.ā€

Resilient is commercializing its BravoTM device, which will support soft tissue surgical repair, with long-term use aimed at addressing the invasiveness and trauma associated with lumpectomies. This means a smoother and less distressing recovery for breast cancer patients -- and overall improved cosmetic and mental health.

CEO and Founder Andrew Weems explained that while lumpectomies present fewer complications than mastectomies, including lower patient risk, cost, and shorter surgical times, they often neglect patient healing and cosmetic restoration.

ā€œThe current standard for treating lumpectomy patients involves closing the surgical site and allowing the resulting void to heal naturally, without additional support,ā€ he said. ā€œPatients face risks such as painful and debilitating breast tissue collapse, as there are no implantable support devices available.ā€

The only device of its kind, the Bravo offers three significant benefits: First, thanks to its 3D mesh structure, the Bravo eliminates the need for follow-up cosmetic reconstruction because it naturally integrates with the patientā€™s tissue. It also dissolves within about 12-18 months, so no additional procedures are needed. Finally, the Bravo also serves as a radiocontrast marker for post-operative adjuvant therapies, which are common in most breast cancer lumpectomy cases.

Jumpstart Executive in Residence Gary Smith said Weems is guiding Resilient to successful commercialization and impressive growth.

ā€œAndrew harnessed key resources from Trailblazer program to enhance the companyā€™s product development, pre-clinical testing, reimbursement, regulatory and go to market strategies,ā€ Smith said. ā€œIā€™m confident Andrew is guiding Resilient to successful commercialization and impressive growth.ā€

Resilient is a client of the 51ĀŅĀ× Innovation Center (IC), a tech startup incubator that supported the HealthTech Accelerator application. Venture organization TechGrowth Ohio (TGO), which provides services, talent development and investment to companies that qualify, is the companyā€™s lead investor.

Weems said the IC was a key component of being accepted to the program.

ā€œWe connected to Jumpstart because the IC generously guides their clients, and we were successful in part because of the IC team's engagement,ā€ he said. ā€They worked with us from the initial application process through the interview, including feedback and coaching during our final presentation prep.ā€

As part of the Accelerator, Resilient successfully pitched the Bravo to a range of healthcare stakeholders, including physicians, patients, health systems, payers and commercial partners. He gained capital and is proceeding toward a clinical trial.

IC Executive Coach Colleen Carow, who helped Weems apply to the accelerator, cited Resilientā€™s acceptance as an exciting example of client success.

ā€œJumpstart's selection of Resilient Medical validates their business ā€” and proves the companyā€™s value. We canā€™t wait to see their growth,ā€ she said.