MedVasc appoints CEO and chair of board in next commercialisation step

As the next step in MedVasc's journey towards commercialisation 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 minimise pain while maximising 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.

Michael Åkesson, founder and main owner, MedVasc, said: "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 commercialisation in the US and the European market - I look forward to working together with Cathrin.”

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

Cathrin Johansson, new CEO of MedVasc, said: "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 commercialisation together with the team.”

In addition to appointing a new full-time CEO MedVasc AB has recently also appointed Eric Wahlberg as new chair of the board. Wahlberg 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.

Wahlberg said: “It is exciting to be a part of Medvasc’s journey. I’m certain Solutio will prove to improve patient's experience of care.” 

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 commercialisation 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.