Frank Litvack

iTherX is a clinical stage pharmaceutical company focused on the discovery and development of innovative treatments for Hepatitis C. This is a disease that affects almost 3% of the world's population, and is the major cause of chronic liver disease, cirrhosis, liver failure and primary liver cancer. Currently there is only a single mode of therapy and less than 5% of patients can be successfully treated. The company continues to carry out focused research in their areas of expertise to provide sustainability of product pipelines. In an era of managed care and increased regulatory scrutiny, it is easy to yield to the temptation of producing 'me too drugs'. However, they think that innovation in the development of pharmaceutical products is important because it is the only way to improve the outcomes for patients. As such, they also think that innovation can ensure the financial returns that investors in health care deserve for the risks that they take. Their innovative approach is evident in their pipeline of Hepatitis C drug candidates. As new and better treatments are being sought, most companies involved in this effort are targeting the enzymes responsible for viral replication: polymerases and proteases. While these are important targets, there is a great deal of duplication of effort in these initiatives. At iTherX, they are pioneering the development of a novel class of HCV antivirals by targeting the steps involved in the entry of the hepatitis C virus into liver cells. Their Host Cell Receptor Target Program engenders small molecule compounds that target a liver cell membrane protein, SR-B1, which recognize and dock the virus. Their lead compound, ITX5061, has extensive safety data in over 250 patients, and shows picomolar potency in inhibiting HCV infection in vitro. They plan to initiate a Phase 2a clinical trial in HCV patients in Q2 of 2009. They have also used medicinal chemistry to develop back-up compounds for this program, and a clinical candidate has been selected for development. Another innovative program is novel cell receptor, which develops antagonists (including biologics) against a novel liver cell membrane protein required for infectivity of the virus.

Part of Medtronic Plc, Progressive Angioplasty Systems, Inc. is a company that makes and develops stents and stent technologies. The company is based in Menlo Park, CA. The company was founded by Frank Litvak, Frank Litvack. Progressive Angioplasty Systems was acquired by United States Surgical Corp. on September 23, 1997 for $150 million.

Part of Abbott Laboratories, Savacor, Inc. develops implantable medical devices for chronic congestive heart failure (CHF). The company is based in Los Angeles, CA. The company was founded by Frank Litvack. Savacor was acquired by St. Jude Medical LLC, part of Abbott Laboratories from January 05, 2017 on January 03, 2006 for $50 million.

Conor Medsystems LLC develops vascular drug delivery technologies. Its products include controlled vascular drug delivery technologies and novel stent that are used in the treatment of coronary artery disease and delivery of a broad spectrum of therapeutic agents. The company was founded by John F. Shanley in 1999 and is headquartered in Menlo Park, CA.

Part of Capricor Therapeutics, Inc., Capricor, Inc. is a company that provides cardiac stem cell therapeutics biotechnology services. The company is based in Los Angeles, CA. The company was founded by Linda Marbán. Linda Marbán has been the CEO since incorporation. Capricor was acquired by Capricor Therapeutics, Inc. on November 21, 2013.

Credence MedSystems, Inc. engages in drug delivery and pharmaceutical services. Its products include companion staked needle, luer and dual chamber reconstitution safety syringes. The company was founded by John F. Shanley and is headquartered in Menlo Park, CA.

Cedars-Sinai Medical Center operates a hospital that provides healthcare services. It specializes in cancer, endocrinology, gynecology, neurology, orthopedics, and respiratory disorders. The company was founded in 1902 and is headquartered in Los Angeles, CA.