Latest news with #atherosclerosis
National Post
7 days ago
- Health
- National Post
Elucid Names Richard E. Kuntz, MD, MSc and Shamiram Feinglass, MD, MPH Board Directors
Article content BOSTON & SCCT ANNUAL MEETING, MONTREAL — Elucid, an AI medical technology company focused on providing physicians with a more precise view of atherosclerosis to drive patient-specific therapeutic decisions, has made two additions to its Board of Directors. The company named Richard E. Kuntz, MD, MSc and Shamiram Feinglass, MD, MPH as board directors. Article content These appointments will help guide Elucid as it accelerates its clinical research strategy, commercializes its flagship PlaqueIQ TM coronary plaque assessment technology, and continues development of its investigational FFR prediction model, based on PlaqueIQ. PlaqueIQ is the first and only FDA-cleared, non-invasive plaque analysis based on objective histology rather than subjective CCTA visual estimates. PlaqueIQ quantifies and classifies plaque morphology based on ground-truth histology, the gold standard for characterization of plaques. The software is designed to help physicians prioritize and personalize treatment based on actual disease, rather than population-based risk. Article content An experienced medical technology executive and clinical expert, Dr. Kuntz is former senior vice president and chief medical and scientific officer of Medtronic plc. Prior to joining Medtronic, he was the founder and chief scientific officer of the Harvard Clinical Research Institute (HCRI), a university-based contract research organization that coordinates National Institutes of Health (NIH) and industry clinical trials with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Dr. Kuntz has directed several multicenter clinical trials and has authored more than 250 original publications. Dr. Kuntz was an associate professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School, chief of the division of Clinical Biometrics, and an interventional cardiologist in the division of cardiovascular diseases at the Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston. Article content Dr. Feinglass is a managing director at Manatt Health working across the business, medical, and policy needs of health systems, life sciences, medical device, digital health and diagnostic companies globally. A global leader in health care, Dr. Feinglass has served as an executive and chief medical officer in large multi-national life sciences corporations including Danaher and Zimmer-Biomet. In parallel, she has driven policy changes alongside senior government officials around the world to influence health policy, regulation, and access. A former regulator at U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and commander in the U.S. Public Health Service with extensive regulatory and legislative experience, Dr. Feinglass is on faculty at the John's Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Department of Mental Health and is a member of the Board of Directors of Sandoz AG. Article content 'We are honored that Dr. Richard E. Kuntz and Dr. Shamiram Feinglass have joined Elucid's Board of Directors,' said Elucid CEO Kelly Huang, PhD. 'Rick lends an important and experienced interventional cardiology view, as well as expertise in clinical trial strategy and execution, and product innovation strategy. Coupled with Shami's unparalleled expertise in market access, policy making, and regulatory strategy, the two will be invaluable as we push forward our vision of a future where cardiac care is personalized, precision patient care versus risk factor and population-based care.' Article content About Elucid Article content Elucid is a Boston-based AI medical technology company dedicated to developing technology designed to provide physicians with a more precise view of atherosclerosis (coronary plaque buildup), the root cause of cardiovascular disease. The company's PlaqueIQ TM image analysis software is designed to help physicians prioritize and personalize treatment based on actual disease, rather than population-based risk of disease. PlaqueIQ includes the only FDA-cleared computed tomography angiography (CTA) algorithm that objectively quantifies plaque morphology validated against ground truth histology, the gold standard for characterization of plaque, as indicated by renowned pathologists. PlaqueIQ equips physicians with critical information regarding the type and amount of plaque in arteries that can lead to heart attack and stroke. Elucid is also pursuing an indication for FFR CT, derived from its plaque algorithm, to help identify coronary blockages and the extent of ischemia non-invasively. For more information, visit Article content Article content Article content Article content Contacts Article content Media Contact: Article content Article content Sam Choinski Article content Article content Article content Article content
Associated Press
17-07-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Elucid Names Richard E. Kuntz, MD, MSc and Shamiram Feinglass, MD, MPH Board Directors
BOSTON & SCCT ANNUAL MEETING, MONTREAL--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jul 17, 2025-- Elucid, an AI medical technology company focused on providing physicians with a more precise view of atherosclerosis to drive patient-specific therapeutic decisions, has made two additions to its Board of Directors. The company named Richard E. Kuntz, MD, MSc and Shamiram Feinglass, MD, MPH as board directors. These appointments will help guide Elucid as it accelerates its clinical research strategy, commercializes its flagship PlaqueIQ TM coronary plaque assessment technology, and continues development of its investigational FFR prediction model, based on PlaqueIQ. PlaqueIQ is the first and only FDA-cleared, non-invasive plaque analysis based on objective histology rather than subjective CCTA visual estimates. PlaqueIQ quantifies and classifies plaque morphology based on ground-truth histology, the gold standard for characterization of plaques. The software is designed to help physicians prioritize and personalize treatment based on actual disease, rather than population-based risk. An experienced medical technology executive and clinical expert, Dr. Kuntz is former senior vice president and chief medical and scientific officer of Medtronic plc. Prior to joining Medtronic, he was the founder and chief scientific officer of the Harvard Clinical Research Institute (HCRI), a university-based contract research organization that coordinates National Institutes of Health (NIH) and industry clinical trials with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Dr. Kuntz has directed several multicenter clinical trials and has authored more than 250 original publications. Dr. Kuntz was an associate professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School, chief of the division of Clinical Biometrics, and an interventional cardiologist in the division of cardiovascular diseases at the Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston. Dr. Feinglass is a managing director at Manatt Health working across the business, medical, and policy needs of health systems, life sciences, medical device, digital health and diagnostic companies globally. A global leader in health care, Dr. Feinglass has served as an executive and chief medical officer in large multi-national life sciences corporations including Danaher and Zimmer-Biomet. In parallel, she has driven policy changes alongside senior government officials around the world to influence health policy, regulation, and access. A former regulator at U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and commander in the U.S. Public Health Service with extensive regulatory and legislative experience, Dr. Feinglass is on faculty at the John's Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Department of Mental Health and is a member of the Board of Directors of Sandoz AG. 'We are honored that Dr. Richard E. Kuntz and Dr. Shamiram Feinglass have joined Elucid's Board of Directors,' said Elucid CEO Kelly Huang, PhD. 'Rick lends an important and experienced interventional cardiology view, as well as expertise in clinical trial strategy and execution, and product innovation strategy. Coupled with Shami's unparalleled expertise in market access, policy making, and regulatory strategy, the two will be invaluable as we push forward our vision of a future where cardiac care is personalized, precision patient care versus risk factor and population-based care.' About Elucid Elucid is a Boston-based AI medical technology company dedicated to developing technology designed to provide physicians with a more precise view of atherosclerosis (coronary plaque buildup), the root cause of cardiovascular disease. The company's PlaqueIQ TM image analysis software is designed to help physicians prioritize and personalize treatment based on actual disease, rather than population-based risk of disease. PlaqueIQ includes the only FDA-cleared computed tomography angiography (CTA) algorithm that objectively quantifies plaque morphology validated against ground truth histology, the gold standard for characterization of plaque, as indicated by renowned pathologists. PlaqueIQ equips physicians with critical information regarding the type and amount of plaque in arteries that can lead to heart attack and stroke. Elucid is also pursuing an indication for FFR CT, derived from its plaque algorithm, to help identify coronary blockages and the extent of ischemia non-invasively. For more information, visit View source version on CONTACT: Media Contact: Sam Choinski Pazanga Health Communications (860) 301-5058 [email protected] KEYWORD: MASSACHUSETTS UNITED STATES NORTH AMERICA CANADA INDUSTRY KEYWORD: HEALTH MEDICAL DEVICES TECHNOLOGY HEALTH TECHNOLOGY SOFTWARE ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE CARDIOLOGY SOURCE: Elucid Copyright Business Wire 2025. PUB: 07/17/2025 07:05 AM/DISC: 07/17/2025 07:05 AM
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The Independent
16-07-2025
- Health
- The Independent
Steak and potatoes a staple? Eating too much meat in a day can have massive heart implications
A fresh study warns that consuming high- protein diets, especially those where more than 22 percent of daily calories come from protein, may contribute to the development of atherosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries, leading to heart health issues. Using both animal and small-scale human trials, researchers from the University of Pittsburgh discovered that excess protein, particularly the amino acid leucine found in animal-based sources such as meat and eggs, triggers mTOR signaling in macrophages - key immune cells involved in arterial plaque formation. 'Eating meals containing about 22 percent kilocalories of protein is the threshold at which the protein and its leucine elevate risk,' lead author Dr. Babak Razani said in the study published Wednesday in the journal Nature Metabolism. But not all experts agree. A 2020 study by Razani's team linked high-protein diets to greater cardiovascular disease risk. A larger 2023 human study found no statistically significant difference in cardiovascular outcomes between high and standard‑protein diets. Dr. Stephen Tang, a cardiologist not involved in the research, claimed the study was too small to make any conclusions. Yet, he agrees it points to a growing indication that heart specialists are increasingly favoring plant‑forward diets. 'I would not do anything different,' Tang told Medical News Today. 'However, it does provide more evidence that high protein is not the way to go. Cardiologists are traditionally focused on cholesterol and high blood pressure, not protein. This study confirms that a plant-based diet is good for heart health.' A 1984 study defined plant-based protein as coming from foods such as bread, vegetables, fruits, nuts, beans and pasta. Women who consumed more of these were 46 percent more likely to age healthily, while those who relied on animal proteins were 6 percent less likely to remain healthy with age. Current dietary guidelines generally recommend that protein should comprise 10 to 35 percent of daily calories, with a lower end of about 0.8 g per kg of body weight (roughly 11 percent of energy) being sufficient for most adults. The American Heart Association also says that protein quality is critical. It endorses choosing plant-based proteins, such as beans, lentils, nuts, seeds and fatty fish rich in omega‑3s, while limiting red and processed meats and saturated fats. Harvard researchers also point out that while excessive protein isn't inherently harmful, relying heavily on animal protein can elevate cholesterol and mortality risk compared to plant protein.
The Independent
16-07-2025
- Health
- The Independent
The foods you need to reduce to improve heart health
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh discovered that consuming high-protein diets, particularly when protein exceeds 22 per cent of daily calories, may lead to atherosclerosis or hardening of the arteries. The study, published in Nature Metabolism, indicates that excess protein, especially the amino acid leucine found in animal sources, triggers mTOR signalling in immune cells crucial for arterial plaque formation. Lead author Dr. Babak Razani identified 22 per cent of daily calories from protein as a risk threshold, though some experts, like cardiologist Dr. Stephen Tang, consider the study's scale too small for definitive conclusions. Despite reservations about the study's size, Dr. Tang noted that the findings support a growing inclination among heart specialists towards plant-forward diets for improved cardiovascular health. Current dietary guidelines suggest protein should make up 10 to 35 per cent of daily calories, with the American Heart Association endorsing plant-based proteins and advising limits on red and processed meats.
National Post
10-07-2025
- Health
- National Post
Elucid to Showcase PlaqueIQ™ at SCCT 2025
Article content BOSTON — Elucid, an AI medical technology company focused on providing physicians with a more precise view of atherosclerosis to drive patient-specific therapeutic decisions, will be featured along with its PlaqueIQ™ image analysis software at the 20 th Annual Meeting of the Society of Cardiovascular Computed Tomography (SCCT 2025), to be held July 17-20 at Palais des Congrès de Montréal. Article content Elucid CEO Kelly Huang, PhD, will participate in the Novel Technologies keynote session, which will be held on Friday, July 18 from 5:05 to 6:15 p.m. ET in room 210 B/F. Kelly's presentation, 'Lesion, vessel, patient, population. Anatomy, physiology, morphology: A complete picture,' will detail the importance of plaque morphology quantification and classification at the lesion level and why morphology based on histology is the gold standard for plaque characterization. Article content Elucid will also host a breakfast symposium, ' From Lesion Detail to the Patient: Getting the Entire Story with Anatomy, Physiology and Morphology,' Friday, July 18 from 7 to 7:50 a.m. ET in room 511 C/F. The session will feature two of the preeminent experts in preventative cardiology and CCTA-derived plaque morphology: Dr. Amir Ahmadi, associate professor of medicine and cardiology director, Inpatient Cardiology at Mount Sinai Fuster Heart at Morningside and Elucid lead scientific advisor, and Dr. Mark D. Berlacher, clinical cardiologist at The Christ Hospital. The session will provide a deep dive into several plaque cases using Elucid's software and share how these findings influence treatment pathways. The program will also explore FFR CT features on an investigational basis. 1 'The cases we will present at SCCT 2025 demonstrate the importance of moving beyond the vessel level to assess plaque at the lesion level,' said Dr. Berlacher. 'Having detailed information about the amount and type of plaque at the lesion level, including lipid rich necrotic core, can help drive treatment decisions and help physicians get ahead of potentially deadly cardiac events.' Article content In addition to its participation in the SCCT 2025 program, Elucid will hold three dinner presentations and discussions on Thursday, July 17, Friday, July 18, and Saturday, July 19. The presentation, 'CT-Guided Treatment of Coronary Artery Disease: A Step Toward Precision Medicine,' features Dr. Ahmadi, and will also include product demos. Article content Attendees may also participate in hands-on demos of Elucid's flagship PlaqueIQ image analysis software, as well as its FFR CT plaque-based algorithm (in development), in Booth 215 during exhibit hall hours. Additionally, Amy Pyke, Elucid's senior vice president of Market Access, will host reimbursement Q&A office hours in the booth on Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. ET and Saturday from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. ET. Article content PlaqueIQ is the first and only FDA-cleared, non-invasive plaque analysis based on objective histology rather than subjective CCTA visual estimates. PlaqueIQ quantifies and classifies plaque morphology based on ground-truth histology, the gold standard for characterization of plaques. The software is designed to help physicians prioritize and personalize treatment based on actual disease, rather than population-based risk. Article content About Elucid Article content Elucid is a Boston-based AI medical technology company dedicated to developing technology designed to provide physicians with a more precise view of atherosclerosis (coronary plaque buildup), the root cause of cardiovascular disease. The company's PlaqueIQ™ image analysis software is designed to help physicians prioritize and personalize treatment based on actual disease, rather than population-based risk of disease. PlaqueIQ includes the only FDA-cleared computed tomography angiography (CTA) algorithm that objectively quantifies plaque morphology validated against ground truth histology, the gold standard for characterization of plaque, as indicated by renowned pathologists. PlaqueIQ equips physicians with critical information regarding the type and amount of plaque in arteries that can lead to heart attack and stroke. Elucid is also pursuing an indication for FFR CT, derived from its plaque algorithm, to help identify coronary blockages and the extent of ischemia non-invasively. For more information, visit Article content Article content Article content Article content Article content Contacts Article content Media Contact: Article content Article content Article content Article content
