State Investment in Medical Device Manufactured in Bucks County Helps Save 2,000+ Lives
BUCKS COUNTY − February 25, 2025 − Two thousand lives and counting have been saved by the Bashir Endovascular Catheter, developed by Temple University cardiologist Dr. Riyaz Bashir and Bucks County medical device manufacturer Thrombolex. At a press conference yesterday, Senator Steve Santarsiero (D-10), who represents New Britain Township where Thrombolex is located, applauded the state investment in innovative scientific research that funded Temple’s study of the device.
“It is my honor to represent the 10th District, where companies like Thrombolex are setting up shop, creating local jobs and developing life-saving technology,” said Senator Santarsiero. “It is easy to advocate for state investments in innovative science and technology research that is making an impact across Pennsylvania, the country and the world.”
Thrombolex creates innovative and sophisticated endovascular catheters using unique pharmaco-mechanical technologies for the treatment of arterial and thromboembolic conditions (A+VTE).
“Thrombolex is just one example of what can happen when we tap into Pennsylvania’s rich network of universities that are putting out some of the most innovative research in the country.” said DCED Deputy Secretary for Technology and Entrepreneurship, Jen Gilburg. “Supporting the innovation economy is critical to Pennsylvania’s long-term success, which is why the Shapiro Administration’s 2025-26 budget proposal includes a total of 50 million dollars for a new PA Innovation program that will help us capitalize on our strengths and support our entrepreneurs.”
“This community and this region are playing such a leadership role with regard to science and innovation,” said Senator Vincent Hughes, Senate Democratic Appropriations Chair. “I want to thank Governor Shapiro for prioritizing this type of innovation in his budget and Senator Santarsiero for his partnership and prioritization of this industry and space. Real dollars from investments are yielding real innovation and real, life-saving results.”
Dr. Riyaz Bashir created the BASHIR Endovascular Catheters in partnership with Thrombolex to dissolve blood clots quickly and effectively to improve the quality of life for patients suffering from arterial and venous thromboembolic (A+VTE) conditions.
Praising the commitment of Senators Santarsiero and Hughes, as well as the Shapiro administration, Dr. Bashir said, “Thanks to your advocacy and dedication to advancing medical innovation, PA continues to lead the way of transformative healthcare. The Bashir Catheter, developed and commercialized with Thrombolex, is already making a profound impact, not just in our state, but around the nation and around the world. Thousands of lives have been saved by this technology in patients with severe blood clots.”
“I am happy to be here,” said Irving Vaughn, a patient of Dr. Bashir who underwent the life-saving procedure as part of the state-funded study.
Thrombolex Co-Founder Marvin Woodall and Dr. Bashir joined together to demonstrate how the catheter effectively and efficiently delivers life-saving medication to break up clots in the lungs and other organs. A video of the process, provided by Thrombolex, is available here.
“We’ve now had about 2,000 patients and counting, who have received this treatment,” said Mr. Woodall. “Our next big step is to expand to outside the United States and around the world.”
Public sector funding for the Rescue Clinical study and Rescue II trial at Temple University totaled $5,950,000. The National Institutes of Health provided $3,000,000 for the Rescue Clinical study that was required for FDA approval of the Bashir Catheter for the treatment of pulmonary embolism. The Commonwealth investment of $2,950,000 includes $1,000,000 to supplement NIH funding for the Rescue Clinical study, as well as $1,200,000 in Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP) funds secured by Senator Santarsiero in April 2022, and the $750,000 DCED funding for the Rescue II trial.
Temple University Vice President for Research Dr. Josh Gladden emphasized the collaboration and partnership, specifically funding from the Commonwealth and the National Institutes of Health, that led to the successful implementation of the treatment. “Innovative-driven progress like we see here today doesn’t just happen. It requires commitment, investment, partnership, entrepreneurship,” said Dr. Gladden. “It requires government support and partnerships with our public sector to advance the technology through clinical trials. This was supported by not only the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania but also the NIH, a critical step in the development of any type of solution in the biomedical space.”
The full press conference can be found on Senator Santarsiero’s website.
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