OptoRhythm

Overview

OptoRhythm is pioneering a novel, light-based approach to heart rhythm management.

Founded on over 20 years of groundbreaking research by Prof. Lior Gepstein (CSO & Co-Founder), a global leader in cardiac electrophysiology and optogenetics, OptoRhythm is transforming Atrial Fibrillation (AF) treatment. Our technology combines optogenetic gene therapy with an implantable micro-LED array to create the world’s first Optic Defibrillator. Unlike traditional electric shock methods, OptoRhythm’s Optic Defibrillator painlessly stops chaotic atrial contractions using precise light pulses. This real-time, repeatable, non-destructive solution addresses current AF treatment limitations and will provide long-term rhythm control as well as improved patient’s outcomes and reduced AF burden.

The Problem

Atrial Fibrillation (AF) is the most common sustained cardiac arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat), affecting over 10.5 million adults in the U.S. as of 20191, with its prevalence expected to rise as populations age. AF significantly increases the risk of stroke, heart failure, and death, leading to high hospitalization rates and prolonged medication use2.

AF progresses as a “vicious cycle” where each fibrillation episode causes structural and electrical changes, making future episodes more likely. Known as “AF begets AF”3 this progression often escalates early-stage AF (paroxysmal) into persistent AF, a severe, harder-to-treat form accounting for 25-40% of cases4,5.

Current AF Treatment Limitations

  • Catheter Ablation creates lesions in atrial tissue to isolate and/or eliminate AF triggers. This approach has a 65-70% success rate for early-stage AF but drops to 50-55% in persistent cases, often requiring multiple procedures6,7.
  • Pharmacotherapy employs drugs for rhythm and rate control, but their effectiveness diminishes as AF progresses, offering limited long-term options.
  • Electrical Cardioversion uses electric shocks to reset heart rhythm. However, in patients with persistent AF, atrial fibrillation frequently recurs post-treatment, making it a temporary fix. The painful procedure requires anesthesia, adding to its limitations.

Need for Improvement
These treatments underscore the need for a safer, durable solution that addresses both AF symptoms and progression, especially in persistent AF.

Our Solution

OptoRhythm’s Optic Defibrillator uses advanced gene therapy to introduce light-sensitive ion channels into atrial cells. During AF episodes, the device directs light to the atrial surface via a micro-LED array, activating the ion channels to painlessly restore normal rhythm. This non-destructive, repeatable approach contrasts with traditional ablation, halting AF progression and enabling long-term disease management without tissue damage.

Market Opportunity

The global market for AF treatment is projected to reach $48 billion by 20308, with persistent AF, which impacts 25-40% of all AF patients4,5, remaining significantly underserved. OptoRhythm’s technology specifically targets the U.S. persistent AF market, projected to reach $4.6 billion by 20309, with a solution designed to meet these patients’ unmet needs.

The Team

OptoRhythm originated from over 20 years of research by Prof. Lior Gepstein (CSO & Co-Founder), a leader in cardiac electrophysiology and optogenetics. Prof. Gepstein’s innovations, including his seminal work on the Carto Mapping System for Biosense Webster, position him as a world-renowned pioneer in cardiac therapies. At OptoRhythm, he continues advancing optogenetic technologies for clinical arrhythmia management.

Leadership Team

  • Dr. Yaki Eidelstein, Ph.D. (CEO & Co-Founder)
    Dr. Eidelstein has 13 years of experience in biotech business development and holds a Ph.D. in Immunology from the Weizmann Institute. As former VP of Business Development at SirTlab, he secured a $900,000 grant and advanced drug candidates for NASH and liver cancer. At Lonza, he led the Israeli arm of the Cocoon® automated closed cell and gene therapy manufacturing platform, managing the complex project to achieve first-in-human trials at Sheba Medical Center. At OptoRhythm, Dr. Eidelstein oversees strategic growth and investor relations.
  • Dr. Yitzhack Schwartz, M.D. (CMO)
    Dr. Schwartz, with 40+ years of clinical and entrepreneurial experience, has focused on disruptive technologies for unmet medical needs. He served as a pediatrician and structural heart disease consultant at Rambam Medical Center and held innovation leadership roles, including Director of Innovation at Biosense Webster (J&J) and CMO at EPD Solutions (Philips). Dr. Schwartz holds 86 issued U.S. patents and drives clinical strategy at OptoRhythm.
  • Israel Zilberman, D.V.M (VP Preclinical)
    Dr. Zilberman brings 14 years of experience in medical device innovation, having led preclinical development at Biosense Webster (J&J) and EPD (Philips). At OptoRhythm, he oversees preclinical studies to validate core technologies.
  • Yehuda Wexler, M.Sc. (Senior Researcher)
    A biomedical engineering and medical sciences expert with extensive research experience in optogenetics, Yehuda Wexler is completing his MD-PhD under Prof. Gepstein. At OptoRhythm, he contributes to ongoing optogenetic technology research.

Contact Information

Dr. Yaki Eidelstein, Ph.D.
CEO & Co-Founder
Mobile: +972-54-336-3816
Email: Yaki@OptoRhythm.com
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/yaki-eidelstein
Address: Wadi El Haj 13, Nazareth, Israel

Bibliography

  1. Noubiap, J. J., Tang, J. J., Teraoka, J. T., Dewland, T. A. & Marcus, G. M. Minimum National Prevalence of Diagnosed Atrial Fibrillation Inferred From California Acute Care Facilities. J. Am. Coll. Cardiol. 84, 1501–1508 (2024).
  2. Odutayo, A. et al. Atrial fibrillation and risks of cardiovascular disease, renal disease, and death: systematic review and meta-analysis. BMJ 354, i4482 (2016).
  3. Allessie, M., Ausma, J. & Schotten, U. Electrical, contractile and structural remodeling during atrial fibrillation. Cardiovasc. Res. 54, 230–246 (2002).
  4. Zoni-Berisso, M., Lercari, F., Carazza, T. & Domenicucci, S. Epidemiology of atrial fibrillation: European perspective. Clin. Epidemiology 6, 213–220 (2014).
  5. Middeldorp, M. E. et al. Risk Factors for the Development of New-Onset Persistent Atrial Fibrillation: Subanalysis of the VITAL Study. Circ.: Arrhythmia Electrophysiol. 16, 651–662 (2023).
  6. Tutuianu, C., Szilagy, J., Pap, R. & Sághy, L. Very Long-Term Results Of Atrial Fibrillation Ablation Confirm That This Therapy Is Really Effective. J. Atr. fibrillation 8, 1226 (2015).
  7. Verma, A. et al. Pulsed Field Ablation for the Treatment of Atrial Fibrillation: PULSED AF Pivotal Trial. Circulation 147, 1422–1432 (2023).
  8. Atrial Fibrillation Market is expected to generate a revenue of USD 48.82 Billion by 2030, Globally, at 12.3% CAGR: Verified Market Research®. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/atrial-fibrillation-market-is-expected-to-generate-a-revenue-of-usd-48-82-billion-by-2030–globally-at-12-3-cagr-verified-market-research-301673235.html.
  9. The United States Atrial Fibrillation Market Size & Outlook, 2030. https://www.grandviewresearch.com/horizon/outlook/atrial-fibrillation-market/united-states.