Meilii Weiyeh, a Leader in Neuromodulation Radiofrequency Ablation, Secures Over RMB 100 Million in Series B+ Financing Led by Kuanping Capital

Shanghai, April 6, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- On April 6, 2021, BRATTEA (Shanghai Meili Weiye Medical Technology Co., Ltd.), an industry leader dedicated to the research, development, and commercialization of neuro-radiofrequency ablation technologies and products, announced that it had secured a Series B+ financing round exceeding RMB 100 million. The round was led by Kuanping Capital, with participation from Shanghai SAIC Hengxu Investment Management Co., Ltd., SPINNOTEC, and BrosMed Medical. This financing represents the largest single investment in China’s neuro-radiofrequency ablation sector to date, reflecting the strong confidence of both the industry and the investment community in the broad application of radiofrequency ablation technology in areas such as hypertension, cancer pain, and diabetes.

Founded in 2013, BRATTEA holds multiple independent proprietary patented technologies and has successfully established a presence in the field of chronic disease treatment and management. The company has developed a proprietary transvascular nerve ablation technology platform, positioning itself at the international forefront of minimally invasive hypertension treatment, while also achieving significant progress in tumor-related pain management and diabetes care. Previously, BRATTEA secured investments from professional institutions such as Northern Light Venture Capital, Boyuan Capital, and Sherpa Capital. Upon completion of this financing round, the company plans to accelerate clinical trials, expand its clinical and technical teams, maintain its leading advantage in products such as renal denervation (RDN), and build itself into a platform enterprise based on neuro-radiofrequency ablation technology.

Regarding this financing round, Cao Hongguang, Founder and Chairman of BRATTEA, stated, “Since Medtronic acquired the RDN project company, many internationally renowned companies have been focusing on or investing in this field, especially after multiple clinical trials demonstrated favorable results in 2020. We aim to continue innovating in the field of Class III energy-based interventional devices, keeping pace with leading international enterprises to benefit a vast number of patients in China.”

RDN Has Become a Hotspot for Innovation in Cardiology, with Clear Efficacy of Non-Pharmacological Treatment for Hypertension

Surveys indicate that the prevalence of hypertension among adults in China is 23.3%, with nearly 300 million hypertensive patients. Among them, approximately 50 million suffer from resistant hypertension, where blood pressure cannot be controlled with medication, or hypertension comorbid with chronic kidney disease. Long-term follow-up data from both domestic and international studies demonstrate that elevated blood pressure significantly increases the risk of fatal complications, such as stroke and myocardial infarction.

The efficacy of renal denervation (RDN) for the treatment of hypertension has been validated by numerous clinical trials. The results of the SPYRAL HTN-OFF MED clinical trial, presented at the 69th American College of Cardiology (ACC) Annual Scientific Session in March 2020, garnered significant attention. The study demonstrated that RDN significantly reduces blood pressure without reliance on antihypertensive medications, with effects sustained over a 24-hour period. Similarly, interim results from this trial indicated that RDN provides superior blood pressure-lowering effects even in patients taking standard antihypertensive medications.

Furthermore, data from the global SYMPLICITY registry study based on real-world evidence, involving over 1,700 hypertensive patients with a 3-year follow-up after renal denervation (RDN), demonstrated a reduction in office systolic blood pressure of 16.5 mmHg, with a trend toward further decline year by year. Meanwhile, RDN exhibited a favorable safety profile, with no serious adverse events observed during long-term follow-up.

With the continuous release of high-quality clinical trial results, industry leaders and regulatory authorities have begun to actively promote the early market launch of RDN products.

Domestically Developed Original Technology,Highlighting the Core Strengths of Private Enterprises

In the medical device industry, the RDN sector is one of the few niche segments where leading domestic companies and global giants are still at the same starting line.

In terms of both product performance and clinical outcomes, BRATTEA’s proprietary products demonstrate significant advantages: the six-electrode basket-style ablation catheter achieves excellent wall apposition and efficient energy delivery; the ablation generator features an intelligent operating system with temperature monitoring, impedance measurement, and power control, enabling precise determination of ablation endpoints to ensure consistent and stable ablation efficacy; the minimally invasive procedure is straightforward, taking less than 40 minutes, performed while the patient remains conscious, and without major surgical trauma.

Leading Clinical Trial Progress,AcquisitionStrong Support from Experts

BRATTEA’s RDN product was approved in late 2019 to enter the national “green channel” for innovative medical devices. Currently, BRATTEA is advancing a forward-looking multicenter randomized controlled clinical trial to validate its efficacy and safety. The trial is led by Professor Zhou Yujie, Deputy President of Beijing Anzhen Hospital affiliated with Capital Medical University, and involves 14 renowned tertiary A hospitals across China, including the Chinese PLA General Hospital, West China Hospital, Ruijin Hospital, and the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University. Patient enrollment for the trial is currently proceeding smoothly.

Meanwhile, BRATTEA has also launched a prospective, multicenter clinical trial on interventional therapy for cancer-related pain, led by Professor Teng Gaojun, President of Zhongda Hospital Affiliated to Southeast University, with the participation of 14 renowned tertiary A hospitals across China.

Technological Platform Value Emerges, with a Broad Market

As one of the few global enterprises specializing in neuro-radiofrequency ablation platforms, BRATTEA’s core technologies have been applied in multiple fields, including hypertension treatment, tumor-related pain management, and diabetes.

BRATTEA Pioneers Percutaneous Endovascular Radiofrequency Neuroablation for the Treatment of Upper Abdominal Cancer-Related Pain. This therapeutic approach offers advantages such as targeted ablation with minimal tissue injury and avoidance of adverse drug reactions, significantly improving the quality of life for patients with cancer pain. Multiple clinical trials have already been completed.

BRATTEA pioneered endovascular radiofrequency ablation of sympathetic nerves for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, demonstrating significant postoperative glycemic control and providing a new therapeutic option for patients with diabetes. The product is currently in the clinical trial phase.

BRATTEA boasts an experienced R&D and clinical executive team, with its core executives hailing from renowned medical device companies. They possess a solid industry foundation and extensive management expertise in product development and clinical affairs management. Cao Hongguang, the Founder and Chairman, previously served as Deputy Director of the Neurosurgery Department and Director of the Neurosurgery Research Institute at a Grade 3A hospital, demonstrating profound insight into neurosurgery and radiofrequency ablation technology. He has successfully launched multiple ventures in the medical device sector, founding several industry-leading enterprises such as Shanghai Yirui Electronics Technology Co., Ltd. (listed on the STAR Market in 2020) and Beijing Weimai Medical Equipment Co., Ltd.

Founding Partner of Kuanping Capital &CEO Li Huihui“It is stated that renal artery ablation technology, with its innovative therapeutic approach, increasingly mature product design, and significant clinical efficacy, is poised to become the next ‘blockbuster product’ in the medical device sector. Kuanping Capital is deeply honored to have participated in and witnessed the development and success of BRATTEA and the innovative field of renal artery ablation. Although the journey ahead is long and challenging, Kuanping Capital remains committed to driving industry advancement through capital investment, working side by side with outstanding entrepreneurs to facilitate major breakthroughs for China’s medical device industry in cutting-edge fields.”

Hengxu CapitalFounding Partner Lu Yongtao stated, “The population base of hypertension patients is vast, with tens of millions suffering from resistant hypertension. Currently, overseas companies led by Medtronic are conducting clinical trials on renal denervation (RDN), and clinical data have demonstrated favorable efficacy and safety. As a top-tier RDN enterprise in China, BRATTEA benefits from the extensive industry resources of its founder, Mr. Cao Hongguang. Shanghai SAIC Hengxu Investment Management Co., Ltd. is honored to participate in this financing round to help accelerate the company’s development.”

About BRATTEA

BRATTEA, established in 2013, specializes in the research, development, and commercialization of neuro-radiofrequency ablation technologies and products. The company holds multiple globally leading, independently owned patented technologies in this field and maintains close collaborative relationships with renowned experts, universities, and hospitals in China.

About Kuanping Capital

Kuanping Capital, established in 2016, is a private equity fund focused on the healthcare and wellness sector. The Kuanping team adheres to research-driven, strategy-oriented active investment, deeply engaging with the industry and partnering with outstanding entrepreneurs to create value through professionalism. Kuanping Capital has invested in leading companies in various niche sectors, including Beijing Midos and Nuanwa Technology.

About Hengxu Capital

Hengxu Capital was established in 2019. As one of the private equity investment management platforms under SAIC Investment, the company aims to maximize investor returns and achieve asset appreciation by investing in sub-funds, S funds, and direct projects. Leveraging the overall advantages of SAIC Motor, Hengxu Capital has strategically deployed capital in emerging industries such as advanced manufacturing, healthcare, consumer goods, and frontier technologies. Meanwhile, it serves as a capital link to contribute to the development of SAIC Motor’s innovative industrial chain and mobility ecosystem. Hengxu Capital’s portfolio in the healthcare sector includes numerous outstanding enterprises such as Aier Medical, Anzhiyin Biotechnology, Changfeng Pharmaceutical, Demei Medical, Gaocheng Biotechnology, Ribobio, Yihong Pharmaceuticals, and Weizhizhuo Biotechnology.