2022-09-12 07:15Press release

MedVasc AB has appointed a new CEO and strengthened the board with a high-profile life science executive

MedVasc´s CEO Cathrin Johansson and Chair of the Board Eric WahlbergMedVasc´s CEO Cathrin Johansson and Chair of the Board Eric Wahlberg

Lund, Sweden – As the next step in MedVasc's journey towards commercialization of the medical device Solutio™ in the US and European markets, the company has appointed Cathrin Johansson as new CEO and Eric Wahlberg as new Chair of the Board. MedVasc is an incubator company at SmiLe.

MedVasc´s founder, Dr Michael Åkesson, has developed and patented the medical device Solutio™, which is designed to minimize pain while maximizing both time and cost-efficiency in treatment of varicose veins. The results of a completed clinical study showed very positive results and now MedVasc is further strengthening the team.

"Cathrin Johansson's background, experience, and entrepreneurial mindset will contribute strongly to MedVasc's continued development where our next step is to start the regulatory process and prepare for commercialization in the US and the European market - I look forward to working together with Cathrin," says Michael Åkesson, founder and main owner, MedVasc.

Cathrin Johansson has diverse experience, working with startups, driving change, and establishing relevant collaborations both nationally and internationally. She has held several leading roles in both private and public organizations and most recently she worked with Ignite Sweden, where she has successfully contributed to catalyzing commercial collaborations between startups and large international corporations/public organizations. From September 1, she is heading the next steps in MedVasc's journey. 

"I have followed MedVasc since early stage development and I am beyond excited to continue building on the fantastic product innovation that already exists in the company and to drive relevant milestones towards commercialization together with the team", says Cathrin Johansson, new CEO of MedVasc.

In addition to appointing a new full-time CEO MedVasc AB has recently also appointed Eric Wahlberg as new Chair of the Board. Eric has 20 years of experience as a life science executive and advisor, including academic roles and as VP for early clinical development CV & GI at AstraZeneca and senior medical director for Allergan.

“It is exciting to be a part of Medvasc’s journey. I’m certain Solutio will prove to improve patient's experience of care”, says Eric Wahlberg new Chair of the Board, MedVasc. 

Eric Wahlberg is a high-profile life science executive, investor, and expert. In addition to his executive career, Eric is also a professor of vascular surgery at Linköping University. He has authored almost one hundred scientific works and held positions as chair of the Swedish Vascular Surgery Association and as chairman or executive board member of over 30 companies. 

“We are very happy to have Eric Wahlberg joining MedVasc as Chair of the Board. Eric has profound knowledge of vascular surgery, market logic, and strong know-how from commercialization of life science products/services. Eric is an active and forward-leaning Chair and I am very pleased to have him onboard taking MedVasc to the next level”, says Michael Åkesson, founder and main owner of MedVasc.

 

For more information, please contact:
MedVasc AB
Cathrin Johansson, CEO, +46 73 810 42 29, cathrin.johansson@medvasc.se

About MedVasc:
MedVasc has developed and patented the medical device Solutio™, which is designed to minimize pain while maximizing both time and cost-efficiency in treatment of varicose veins. MedVASC AB aims to make Solutio™ the standard for administering anaesthesia in varicose vein treatment. www.medvasc.se


Language: English

About SmiLe Venture Hub – Pioneering Life Science Innovations

SmiLe Incubator is a life science business incubator based in Medicon Village in Lund, Sweden. SmiLe helps entrepreneurs commercialize their ideas. There are currently 30 companies in SmiLe which, together with alumni companies, have attracted more than EUR 664 million in venture capital to date since 2014. SmiLe offers excellent business coaching, a broad international network of contacts and a dynamic community, as well as well-equipped laboratories which is unique of its kind in Sweden. SmiLe is a non-profit organization and receives basic funding from Region Skåne, Lund Municipality, Lund University and Medicon Village. SmiLe´s sponsors are Agilent, Sparbanken Skåne, Awa, Høiberg, Prevas, Setterwalls, Zacco, Magle Chemoswed, NanoTemper Technologies, Phase Holographic Imaging and ChemoMetec. SmiLe’s 20 listed alumni companies have a market capitalization of more than EUR 824 million (Q4 2021). www.smileincubator.life